The American Dream

The American Dream is the reason people from all over the world flock to this country. There is no other place like it. Yes, there are other destinations; it's a big world, however the tide that rushes to these shores are like no other.

I had initial thoughts about what and how this post was going to be written, but then, the FIFA World Cip came to America. Hmmm, my thoughts have changed.

What FIFA brought to our shores was a chance to see our country through the eyes of others from around the world, and not just those that were hoping to move here or find a job. These are the citizens of other countries that were simply on a holiday and hoping to root on their team and have fun.

What we now saw were people from around the world expecting the worst that Americans could offer. For years they have been told the United States is a dangerous place. The people are rude and mean and don't walk the street night. Their own governments and press has driven this into their consciousness.

And what they discovered should make all Americans proud. Social media and news media exploded with video after video and story after story of how wonderful and kind the people of this country are. The citizens of the world were welcomed from coast to coast. They revelled in our culture and our food as well as the scenery and vastness of our country.

The American dream is still alive and well. Are we perfect? No. No place is. But one thing I do know is we as the populace routinely overlook the grandness and kindness we as a nation still hold. We focus too much on petty differences instead of our collective culture and what unites us as a people. Our 'leaders and our news organizations' are a primary cause of this dysfunction.

The American Dream is still alive and well and it is what you make it. That has always been the Dream.