The Actual American Dream

Many people from all over the world move to the United States to chase the American Dream.  But what actually is the so called "American Dream?"  Is it to be wealthy?  Is it to have a successful business?  Maybe to own your own home, or have a good car, or money in the bank?  I am not too sure anymore what the term means.  What I do know is that the American Dream is way different know than what it was when my ancestors came here from Italy, Scotland, and Wales. 

Here is what comes with the dream today:

1. Taxes--We have no say in where this money is spent.
2. Corrupt Politicians-- Do you know what a lobbyist is?
3. Overpriced Commodities--Gasoline is $3.93 at the Sheetz next to my house.
4. Crazy Laws--It's illegal to take a lion to the movies in Baltimore or grow thistles in your yard in MD. 
5. Politicians Are Super Humans--They are exempt from most laws they pass.
6. Gays Have No Rights--Just let them get married already.
7. War Mongers--We are the Police of the World and so was the Roman Empire.
8. Real Estate--How many of you are upside down on your mortgage?
9. Debt--We all have it or will have it sooner or later. The U.S. is $15T in debt, that T is for trillion.
10. Small Business--Don't make too much money, someone in Washington will take it.
11. Success--Your success will pay for less successful people's needs.
12. Police--Just youtube police brutality.
13. Crime-- in 2010 approximately 15K were murdered, 85K were raped, 400K were robbed, 2.2M were burglarized, and over 700K had their car stolen. 
14. Racism--Just ask a few black people you know, they'll tell you.
15. Obesity--Highest in the world out of 195 countries (196 if the U.S. ever recognizes Taiwan as a country).
16. Driving a Vehicle--Average new car sold in the U.S. is $28,500.
17. Jobs--Good luck getting one, there are 20M people looking too.
18. Retirement--Social Security is bankrupt.
19. Health Insurance--So is Medicare...
20. Drugs--World's leading consumer of cocaine and biggest manufacturer and consumers of crystal meth.


So there it is, 20 things that come with the American Dream.  This great country has a lot to offer.  I guess the biggest dreams come with a little bit of baggage.  I used to think that I lived in the absolute best country in the world and sometimes I still do.  However, as I get older and become more educated, Switzerland is looking pretty damn nice right about now...

Cheers!

K.A. Ball