By Hook or Crook, the American Dream Remains a Desirable Goal

While the American political system is certainly no friend to many honest, hard-working taxpayers, the impact of personal responsibility (i.e., good decisions v. bad judgment) is an equally important determinant with regard to success (or lack of) in attaining the American Dream. Too many people sadly have a sense of entitlement and would rather blame government than themselves when they fall short of expectations.

By Citizen Correspondent Lou Ann Anderson

Date Posted: 06/07/08

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The American Dream is a desirable goal for many in this country. However, as attainment by “hook” or some fair, legitimate means becomes more of a challenge, “crook,” or by any means necessary, appears to be gaining ground.

Bitterness and entitlement in America are on the rise and are factors contributing to the increase of Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) cases, those actions in which unscrupulous individuals use the age and/or incapacitation of a person to gain control of their personal assets and “redistribute” them in a manner contrary to what the person intended. These incidents can happen during the person’s lifetime or posthumously. Family members, friends or even “trusted” associates like a lawyer or caregiver are potential IRA practitioners. With manipulation, IRA can be "lawfully" accomplished as these cases often occur within legal frameworks such as guardianships, trusts or wills. And through these means, the American Dreams of many are being lost to financial predators who feed off the efforts of others.

An annual “Attitudes in the American Workplace" poll conducted by Zogby International for The Marlin Company (http://www.themarlincompany.com/MediaRoom/PollResults.aspx) recently found more than half of U.S. workers say the American Dream is unattainable and nearly half blame the political system for the deterioration in their economic circumstances.

Per a company press release, the workplace poll, conducted in May 2008, found that nearly three quarters of U.S. workers (74.7%) say the American Dream is not as attainable today as it was eight years ago; 52.4% say it is simply unattainable for the average American. The survey defines the American Dream as “the opportunity to have a nice home, financial security for you and your family, and hope for the future.”

The workplace poll also found that nearly half (45.1%) of U.S. workers admit to being “bitter” because “the political system has caused a deterioration of [their] economic circumstances.” Nearly half (47.5%) of 30-49 year-olds surveyed report feeling bitter, while only 38.4% of 18-29 year-olds feel bitter.