The American Dream is not dead — but it needs the help of every citizen to thrive again.
In this op-ed, author Doug DeVos argues that America is not in decline, but it is drifting. The root of this drift, he suggests, lies in a diminished connection to the core principles that have defined the American experiment. Rather than relying on political leaders to fix the nation’s course, DeVos insists that individual Americans must step up to restore the country’s trajectory.
DeVos notes that fewer than half of Americans believe their children’s lives will be better than their own, a stark contrast to past generations. Yet, he challenges this pessimism, insisting that America is still the strongest country in the world. The author emphasizes that the future of the nation depends on the collective responsibility of its citizens — not politicians or leaders — to uphold and apply the time-tested principles that have driven the country’s progress. From the abolition of slavery to the expansion of civil rights, these principles have always been at the heart of America’s success.
The article calls for a renewed commitment to belief in people, free enterprise, and accountability to create a brighter future. DeVos reminds readers that the American Dream is not just an ideal but a reality that can be rebuilt through individual action and shared vision. He concludes by urging citizens to take initiative, as their collective efforts will determine whether America continues to thrive or continues to drift.