What is “the American Dream”?
Is “the American Dream” to win in a capitalist society? Vice president for economic policy at Independent Women Patrice Onwuka, whose column titled “Socialism targets the American Dream” was published in the Aug. 27 edition of the Valley News, seems to think so when she warns that rent control — which she labels “socialism” — targets the dream.
Am I the only one whose dream would be a truly democratic society where everyone’s basic needs are met? A recent trip to Scandinavia showed me something like that. Everyone is paid a living wage. Taxes are high, but well-spent. Parental leave and free childcare are provided, as are free or low-cost health care and education up to six years post high school. Because of social services and “housing first” policies, homelessness is very low.
Our current system, especially taxing income and ignoring wealth, works well for the top 1%, who own almost 32% of the wealth in the country — but not so well for the bottom 50%, with just 2.5% Do these people have different dreams? I don’t think so. Would providing reliable and affordable childcare, healthcare, and education discourage capitalism? I don’t think so.