Every one wants to live an alternate life. No one thinks that their life is complete, and no one is truly happy with themselves. Especially here in America, a country that has pushed its citizens to value working towards being better. Now, there is no problem with becoming a better citizen but there is a problem with never believing your good enough. I often wonder if that self loathing attitude is to blame for all of the problems that we have in our society, because I’m almost positive that it is to blame for our societies success. Thorough has lead us to believe that it is the actual desire for possessions that causes our downfall, but in the real world we cant all sit by a lake and look at bugs all day, we have to work, we have to eat, and we have to pursue possessions for the comfort and safety of our families, but then the question is begged, where is the line drawn? At what point should we be proud of our accomplishments?

It seems that in American society that point doesn’t come. We are a fast food nation, a land where everything comes quick with the exception of success. I once heard a young gang member on television make the remark that he did not create gangs, he did not create oppression or poverty, he was born into it and made the best of what he had (i.e.) he sold drugs. That was his way to the American dream. Now, most would argue that this is no way to the American dream, it’s a surefire way to jail; and those people would be correct. Selling drugs can definitely land one in jail, but it is also a way to the American dream. The American dream is not the sweet and innocent young lady she once was. She doesn’t stand for hard work and dedication, she only stands for success, by any means necessary. We as Americans become appalled at the notion that selling drugs is a way to the American dream, but what about attorneys that stack cases, or wall street executive’s that take a little extra off the top so that their families can vacation in France, is that the American dream? Of course we all know that no one making that much money would have a reason to still finances, just ask Martha Stuart. Its simply not done.

Now, I’m not condoning selling drugs or illegal stock trading, however I am bringing light to the thought that it is time to reform the idea of the American dream. My grand mother never dreamed to be rich or revered, she just wanted a home, her health, and her family. She once told me that God had given her everything she had ever asked for, a strange comment coming from a poor 70 year old woman barely getting by on social security. Grandmother wanted a home, health for her children and to live her three score and ten (70 yrs) that the lord promised her in the Bible. Although her ambitions were simple they brought her happiness throughout the fullness of her life. Her life was not a competition, it was not about coveting what others had but rather being pleased in her own personal blessings and triumphs. Above anything else my grandmother had peace of mind, and that should be the American dream.

We have taught generations of people that the American dream can be measured in dollars and cents and we wonder why so many in our country have gone astray. If we teach our people that the American dream is having an Honorable legacy to hand down to their children they wont become drug dealers. If we teach the our people that there is no shame in having less, that shame only comes in not working for what you own they wont rob our clients or each other. The American Dream is peace of mind that can only come with working hard for what you have, and taking pride in what you have. Our ancestors came her for peace of mind, escaping religious persecution, political persecution, and in some cases famine. They new that they would have to work hard once they came to this land, but the hard work was worth the peace our nation brought. Drug dealers don’t have peace of mind, not in murder and carnage, but they have money. Illegal market activity doesn’t create peace of mind, it creates fear and lies, but a person could get rich. Lawyers falsifying cases to reach a percentage number is illegal and destroys lives, but it ensures raises and promotions. See, if money is our American Dream, then how should we expect our society to behave. Why should we expect doctors to have the heart to care for those less fortunate if they don’t get paid for it, its un American.

Currently Its not apart of the American Dream to give, to love, to do kindness expecting nothing in return, to help a neighbor through a rough time, to take in a family when they are in need, to care about anyone or anything but ourselves. Until the American dream is no longer measured in dollars and cents, Americans will never be successful, because there is never enough money to be had, but a little kindness goes a long way.