Individual Americans Can Revive the American Dream
Amidst discussions about the future of the United States, the author argues that the nation’s trajectory is not dictated by elite politicians, but by the collective actions of everyday citizens. The article, an op-ed adapted from author Doug DeVos’s new book, highlights a growing skepticism among Americans about the future of their country and the well-being of future generations.
This skepticism is symbolized by the observation that fewer than half of Americans believe their children’s lives will be better than their own, a statistic that has doubled in just 20 years. This shift in perception is described as a sign of drifting away from the core values that have defined the American experiment. The author, however, asserts that the United States is not in decline, but rather in a state of drifting from its foundational principles.
The text calls for a return to these principles of belief in people, free enterprise, family, and accountability. The author emphasizes that these principles have historically allowed America to overcome challenges and move past divisions. The article also suggests that the future of the nation depends on individual action, not the actions of politicians or leaders. The author posits that if citizens believe in a better future, they will act to make it happen, thereby contributing to a renewed American Dream.
The author concludes by reaffirming America’s enduring strength and the potential for its people to continue shaping its future. The article encourages readers to take an active role in this process, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility and the power of collective action to transform the nation’s direction.