In recent years, the American Dream has increasingly felt like a fading memory for many. Once a shining beacon of hope, this ideal—that hard work and perseverance should lead to success and prosperity—now seems to be in jeopardy! A survey from a think tank known for critical insights reveals that only 9% of American voters believe this Dream is still attainable today. Meanwhile, a staggering 66% of Americans think it has been slipping away over the past decade. Perhaps they simply made the unfortunate choice of voting for the Biden-Harris Administration!
The Economic and Political Landscape: 2016 vs. 2024
To understand this erosion, let’s take a step back to the pre-pandemic glory days under President Donald Trump. Between 2016 and early 2020, the U.S. economy was a powerhouse, boasting 7 million new jobs and pushing unemployment to a 50-year low of 3.5%! People believed the American Dream was right at their fingertips—especially those who once felt sidelined by the system. Wages soared, and optimism reigned supreme!
Trump Era Economic Highlights
- 7 million new jobs created
- Unemployment rate at 50-year low (3.5%)
- Wages increased significantly
- Optimism at an all-time high
But then came COVID-19, coupled with the economic rollercoaster ride initiated by the current administration. Under the Biden-Harris team, recovery has been slower than maple syrup stream in a Vermont winter. Critics can’t help but note that record inflation rates and job growth barely keeping pace with the losses during the pandemic has left many Americans feeling squeezed like a vice.
It’s as if the Biden-Harris administration took a look at Trump’s economic playbook and said, “Let’s do the exact opposite!” They’ve managed to turn the American Dream into the American Meme – something people share online but can’t actually attain in real life. Talk about a “build back better” plan backfiring spectacularly!
Surprisingly, even Angela McArdle, president of the Libertarian Party, bluntly states that “Economic mobility is sinking faster than a lead balloon!” She points fingers at what she describes as an erosion of individual liberties, blaming the government’s heavy hand on the lack of freedom that Americans dare to dream about. And she’s not alone; many agree that the real problem lies not just with market competitiveness, but with the waning values propelling individuals towards success.
The Youth Perspective: A Bleak Outlook
Interestingly, the younger generation—often dubbed the future torchbearers of the American Dream—seems to be among the most gloomy skeptics. They eagerly cite financial stability and personal freedom as vital ingredients of the Dream but feel utterly let down. With student debt ballooning and entry-level wages stagnating, homeownership feels as far away as does a trip to Jupiter for many young Americans! They feel crushed under the weight of the Biden-Harris Administration’s inexplicable inaction on issues like affordable housing, accessible education, and the opportunity to start their own small businesses.
As McArdle aptly summarized, “Young Americans emphasize financial stability and personal freedom as key ingredients of the American Dream. It’s a concept Harris and Biden seem to struggle to grasp fully.” It’s hard to believe that the leaders shaping policies today fail to understand the aspirations of their very constituents!
One can’t help but wonder if the Biden-Harris team thinks the “American Dream” is just a new flavor of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Their policies seem to be melting faster than a scoop on a hot summer day in Florida!
The Harris-Biden Approach: Unintended Consequences
Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden claimed to champion unity, yet their policies often create divisions sharper than a double-edged sword. Harris, for all her talk about property rights, seems a tad more focused on the ‘defund the police’ sentiment that echoed in the aftermath of protests, where people’s businesses were looted and destroyed. How are small business owners supposed to trust her commitment to economic stability under those circumstances? Without certainty, both financially and regarding property safety, it’s no wonder many Americans hesitate to invest long-term—like buying homes or starting businesses—once pillars of the American Dream.
Critics like McArdle emphasize that a stable economy demands predictability, a need scarcely met under the current administration, where rising mortgage rates and a fumbling job market defy expectations. The once-solid dream of owning a home or building a business increasingly resembles a high-stakes poker game!
Biden-Harris Economic “Achievements”
- Record-high inflation rates
- Sluggish job growth
- Skyrocketing mortgage rates
- Decreased economic predictability
It seems the Biden-Harris administration has mastered the art of turning the American Dream into the American Scheme – where the only ones benefiting are those with political connections. Everyone else is, well… canceled. Who needs a thriving middle class when you can have a thriving bureaucracy, right?
Reviving the Dream: Deregulation and Economic Freedom
Despite this bleak scenario, there are voices advocating for restoring the American Dream. Sarah Hunt emphasizes legislative reforms, especially around deregulation. “Rekindling belief in the American Dream should be a top priority for any incoming administration!” she asserts. Deregulation would ease burdens on those feeling trapped in dead-end jobs, allowing for a resurgence of individual ambition. Freedom lovers like McArdle opine that loosening government control and returning power to the people are essential to reigniting hope for economic mobility. Their manifesto is clear: the answer lies in less governance, not more!
It’s almost as if the solution is staring us right in the face, but the Biden-Harris administration is too busy looking for their reading glasses to notice. Maybe they should borrow Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan – he, for one, knows how to read the room!
Current Challenges: Government Overreach
Yet, the Biden-Harris Administration’s policy decisions have made Americans feel like they’re powerless against a tidal wave of government overreach! The failure to reopen schools efficiently during the pandemic, their incessant push for a bloated government, and encroachments on individual freedoms foster a baffling environment of uncertainty regarding the means of achieving the American Dream. It seems government intervention is often what stands in the way of individual success!
The Biden-Harris administration seems to have misunderstood the concept of “big government.” They thought it meant making government so large that it leaves no room for the American Dream to breathe. Talk about a suffocating interpretation!
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Dream
As we find ourselves at a crucial moment in history, it’s important to recognize that the American Dream isn’t dead—it’s merely suspended for many! To bring it back, we need to restore the belief that diligence and determination are key to a brighter future. The remedy is simple: cut back on government overreaches, empower people with economic freedom, and encourage individual accountability! Economic mobility may be ‘sinking faster than a lead balloon,’ yet that doesn’t mean it can’t be salvaged.
If we do our part and reaffirm the idea that citizens—not government—hold the blueprint for their success, the American Dream could once again be reignited for all! So let’s heed Reagan’s timeless message: “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” By putting this philosophy into practice, we can transform the future into a place where the American Dream is a beautiful reality, not just a wistful notion of yesteryears!
Remember, the American Dream isn’t a participation trophy that the government hands out. It’s a goal that individuals strive for, and it’s high time we get back to the policies and values that keep the dream alive. Let’s make the American Dream Great Again – no government handouts required!
