Posted on Jan 15, 2016
MSG Wally Carmichael
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So many come to American to achieve the American Dream. Many appear to be living the American Dream. Some are even faking the American Dream. What are your thoughts? What is the American Dream to you? Are you living it?
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 16
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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It is the belief and indeed a policy of ensuring a level playing field and the opportunity to build a successful life by the sweat of your brow and the brilliance of your ideas.

It is the arch-rival of the "entitlement dream".
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CDR Michael Goldschmidt
CDR Michael Goldschmidt
9 y
I would say a level playing field cannot exist, but I agree with the latter part of what you wrote.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
1SG (Join to see)
9 y
CDR Michael Goldschmidt - You can only give them a fair shake and the tools, sir. Motivation to use that comes from within.
When I say "level" I mean that everyone gets an education and the right to pursue their dreams.
What entitlements do is drain people of that motivation by rewarding sloth. Increasingly, able-bodied and -minded folks are turning to "free stuff" instead of taking advantage of the opportunity to be so much more. Our safety net has become a hammock for many.
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MSG Wally Carmichael
MSG Wally Carmichael
9 y
Agreed. Work for what you want before you realize it.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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It is, to me, the fact that my wife lets me sleep in the same bed with her (regardless of the fact that I snore badly), that my kids want me to read to them and play LEGOs with them. That I have a job that I truly like and enjoy. And the fact that all of these things that I have, I earned.
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MSG Wally Carmichael
MSG Wally Carmichael
9 y
Many great answers and each are absolutely correct for that person. MSG (Join to see) , your answer sounds like part of my life, minus the snoring. Ok, I snore once in a while. I think the gas can be worse though. ;-/ Thanks for your comments.
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MCPO Roger Collins
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Yes, I epitomize what I see as the American Dream. Came from poor beginnings, worked my butt off, went in the Navy got education and experience, promoted to the top of the heap, retired now with three pensions, plus SS, no debts for over twenty years, married over 50 years, healthy family. That's it.
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MSG Wally Carmichael
MSG Wally Carmichael
9 y
Very impressive MCPO Roger Collins, That is the living the dream. I'm very happy for you and your family.
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MCPO Roger Collins
MCPO Roger Collins
9 y
Thanks, Wally. I can't express my blessings enough and hope for the same for my fellow vets. It doesn't come overnight.
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