The American Dream: to be creative or not to be

"The American Dream:  A Biography, Making of America, Keeping the Dream Alive" and "Rethinking the American Dream" pose similar questions on whether there is an American Dream based on the what the Declaration of Independence gives meaning to "Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" and that there remains the providence of freedom and not just prosperity, but the boldness to dream the dream.

Meacham, author of "The American Dream:  A Biography," asserts that even in 1931,  there was hopeful optimism and this was shown in the Empire State Building opening, and that Americans would forge ahead.  President Barack O'bama would inherit a troubled economic system and spit out that America's hope for dreams and economic prosperity are in reverse.   Author Kamp on "Rethinking the American Dream" poses a question on whether there is an American Dream, but whether it has been be redefined.  Yes perhaps the idea to dream, was then manufactured into an experience of fame and fortune, not necessarily in keeping with the tradition of being a haven for those who are running from religious and political persecutions.

The nature of freedom and independence seems to have crashed only in so far as the economic system is concerned.   But how about the social and religious freedoms?  The Millenials and the Twenty Somethings have social freedoms that are beyond any generation - the ability to communicate all of their thoughts to a digital world-wide audience within seconds.  Perhaps the dream for a economic system based upon materialistic hunger urged those to heights that left behind the actual dream, of sewing Happiness.    Perhaps the true question the author may pose is What Brings on True Happiness? I believe we are just beginning to uncover this, as the old economic system crashes and when people have to return to a humbler way of life - the life of our grand ancestors.  The only difference is that they did not have the layers of layers of elite technology at their fingertips.  We may have an old economic system that has perished, but we have seeds of creativity everywhere.  I may be more of a Millenial optimist, but I believe in my country and it's creative and spiritual power.

 Perhaps our courage and faith in will be redefined in a dream when we return to our families and communities and begin to include them again, to reconnect and create something new on what it means to be an American.   Rather than pursue Happiness, why not create it?!