What exactly is the "American Dream"?

MSG Wally Carmichael — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:38:04 -0500

So many come to American to achieve the American Dream. Many appear to be living the American Dream. Some are even faking the American Dream. What are your thoughts? What is the American Dream to you? Are you living it?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 15 at 2016 2:16 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 14:16:09 -0500

Not sure what it actually is today...but I can say what it used to be a long time ago, lol

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 2:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 14:51:29 -0500

It is the belief and indeed a policy of ensuring a level playing field and the opportunity to build a successful life by the sweat of your brow and the brilliance of your ideas.

It is the arch-rival of the "entitlement dream".

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 15 at 2016 3:00 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 15:00:05 -0500

The American Dream. My take on it to be successful in whatever you do and there are no restrictions based on Race or creed, and make better a life for your kids than you had.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 15 at 2016 3:52 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 15:52:05 -0500

Great timing to ask this question. It's different for everyone, but I think of it as freedom unrestricted by big government and the opportunity to live a life you desire with your family through: faith in any religion, honesty, hard work, and dedication.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jan 15 at 2016 4:24 PM

LTC John Shaw — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:24:36 -0500

Have your family, a roof over your head and control over your own fate. All the other 'stuff' is unimportant.

Response by SPC Deborah Wert Ferner made Jan 15 at 2016 4:27 PM

SPC Deborah Wert Ferner — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:27:01 -0500

There isn't really an American dream any more is there? Growing up it was always owning your own home and having a good job and family. Now I don't believe there is the American dream any more.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jan 15 at 2016 5:03 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:03:00 -0500

You get to determine what you are going to be, and if you will succeed or fail, regardless of whether you have "high" or "low" birth. No one is supposed to be your master.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 15 at 2016 5:16 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:16:54 -0500

Yes, I epitomize what I see as the American Dream. Came from poor beginnings, worked my butt off, went in the Navy got education and experience, promoted to the top of the heap, retired now with three pensions, plus SS, no debts for over twenty years, married over 50 years, healthy family. That's it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 5:17 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:17:51 -0500

It is, to me, the fact that my wife lets me sleep in the same bed with her (regardless of the fact that I snore badly), that my kids want me to read to them and play LEGOs with them. That I have a job that I truly like and enjoy. And the fact that all of these things that I have, I earned.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jan 15 at 2016 10:30 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 22:30:33 -0500

My interpretation of the American Dream is to have a job that will allow me to support my family, have a reasonable house, two late model vehicles, and savings where we do not have to worry about living from paycheck to paycheck. Finally, enough money to take a national vacation every two to three years (i.e. Disneyworld).

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Jan 15 at 2016 10:36 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 22:36:57 -0500

There are so many great answers I am not sure I could contribute anything more. I remember when I was young and growing up it was the Horatio Alger type thing. Growing from nothing to a successful tycoon. As I grew older "successful" changed to mean more than just financial security but to include a family, and health and security, which I think for my generation was typical.
However as I look at the kids today it appears they are being told "success" is bad. Wealth is evil. They expect to be taken care of. It is their "right" not so much their responsibility, but then I read the entries here and I gain a lot of hope for a bright future. I have achieved the American dream, in that I am secure, happy and have my health, have a wonderful wife and family. God had truly blessed us all. The American Dream appears to be alive and well

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 16 at 2016 5:28 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 17:28:57 -0500

As a presidential candidate in 1928, Herbert Hoover used the campaign slogan: "A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage".

I always thought that was the American Dream; even if I did not vote in that election.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 10:54 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 10:54:13 -0500

In the grand scheme of things it's in the Declaration of Independence; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

For the pursuit of happiness you need to ask yourself several questions, what will make me happy and what do I need to do to be happy? If you want to become independently wealthy, what are you going to do to become wealthy? What skill or talent do I need to develop to achieve that goal?

Liberty is needed to achieve your own personal goals and if we lived in an oppressive country that liberty is severely dampened. However, we don't live in an oppressive country and anyone here has the same opportunities to achieve their dreams if they apply themselves using 2 personality traits, initiative and integrity. There really are more, but the basic is take the initiative to start developing your skills or talents and have the integrity to be truthful to yourself while developing the skills and/or talents necessary to achieve the goals. Hard work and perseverance is how you achieve happiness.

With liberty and happiness, we ensure our lives and the lives of those around us prosper. Personally, I believe those that complain about achieving the American dream lack the courage to try.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 11:36 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:36:33 -0500

I believe the American Dream is largely dead. Unless, you believe the American Dream is the have someone else provide your desires while you make no effort in pursuit of your desires.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 12:27 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:27:13 -0500

The American dream is being able to succeed or fail based on your own effort.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 18 at 2016 5:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:16:26 -0500

Having a nice retirement house and the money to travel.