Democracy Dream

     The American Dream has come to represent the attainment of a myriad of goals specific to each individual. Whatever the individual goal may be, the pursuit of it is provided by Democracy. With the presidential debates this week and the election approaching, I decided to speak to our high school government teachers about their views on Democracy. Their definition of the American Dream was the ability to work in the established system and achieve reasonable goals allowing them to leave a legacy for their children. Democracy allows them to get involved and make a positive change leaving things better than when they started.
     While they agree Democracy allows you to pursue the American Dream, they feel it is more difficult to achieve the dream than it used to be. They felt hard work used to be worth more. Now you need additional connections in the system to get something accomplished.
     I can understand their point of view, especially with the spotlight on earmarks during the presidential campaigns. I read an article in the Post Chronicle arguing Senator Obama helped out the corporation of his wife's first cousin. The article insinuates the corporation only received money because of its connection to Obama. It ignores whether the project was or was not deserving. The “You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours” mentality has left many people with a negative impression of the government and democratic practices. My colleagues did say they felt their view was skewed by the recent problems of the economy and so many negative ads during campaigning.
     While I do believe connections and other unfair advantages affect Democracy, I still believe the American Dream is very achievable in Democracy. Their negativity may have pushed me to a positive slant. I have enjoyed watching Democracy at work with the debates this week. I think it is wonderful that Americans have the ability to use their freedoms to partake in the Democratic process and vote for a new leader. We may not see a “Mr. Smith goes to Washington” story every week, but an individual can still make a difference in the world. Frank Capra and I wish you well on living your American Dream and enjoying all the goals Democracy enables you to pursue.