Something is broken from top to bottom from left to right we all know that something fundamental is not right.
But we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and we glorious Americans will occasionally astonish the God that created us when we get a fair start.
~Mark Twain
One tries to remember what the "Dream" was about:
Equal opportunity and the knowledge our hard work will be rewarded, and that the next generation will have a better start.
This was the basis why "The Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" were written in the first place. This is why the Suffragettes fought and won a woman's right to be heard. This is why so many fought long and hard for the "Bill of Rights" so all could be treated as equal and it is the reason we all won. This was the thinking behind social security and medicare so that in our old age we would all have a well earned rest without fear. This is also the basis why we try to protect those less fortunate than ourselves.
The Dream was about who we are.
The Dream was not about hegemony and hubris where we impose our will on those weaker than ourselves. The Dream was not about "greed is good" and the inequality it engendered. The Dream was not about piling up riches at the expense of others just to keep score. The Dream was not about creating an unfair and abusive class system.
We have woken up to a unremembered dream, and face a reality that has been bought and sold to the highest bidder.
Those wondering what "Occupy Wall Street" and to some extent the "Tea Party" were all about are either lying, or just haven't paid attention; my view is they that have been lying and have known full well the outcome of their lies.
When only a few have the right and the means to have the Dream then all the principles upon which our nation is built become meaningless.
"They call it the 'American Dream' because you have to be asleep to believe it."
~ George Carlin
Perhaps the sleeping giant "We The People" has awoken, and the fear of those who would lull it back to sleep is palpable, Twain may well be right; the outcome will be astonishing.
Hence my long held sig:
"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." Arundhati Roy