The Killing and Reviving of the American Dream, by Lew Rockwell

[Yvonne]

Lew writes: "I have no doubt that we can win this struggle for liberty. There are too many examples in history, even in our times, of how good ideas triumph over coerced rule. A people who resent and resist all forms of government control cannot finally be subjugated. And government control is far more vulnerable than it first appears. It can be toppled in the blink of an eye when the people it is attempting to control decide they have had enough. Then, even government agents turn against the state." Read the entire article please:

http://www.lewrockwell.com/rockwell/american-dream156.html

[Stary Hickory]

Is this optimism from Lew? Because really it's not his style. But hooray if it is.

[romacox]

bump

[Deborah K]

Is this optimism from Lew? Because really it's not his style. But hooray if it is.

This.

[Seraphim]

Long term, our living standards have been eroded in fundamental ways that have a profound cultural effect. The American family once lived well on one income. Now, two incomes is the expected reality. That shift took place following the great inflation of the late 1970s. Many people saw this as the great news that the workplace was being opened up to women. More likely it was not a sign of liberation, but of a dramatic demographic adjustment required to maintain high living standards. And the state didn't mind: it added millions to the tax rolls. One wonders if "liberation" is really the right word to use for this change.


I agree with that.

[kahless]

Another trend is the delay in marriage. For the first time since the data have been tracked, the share of women 18 and older who are married fell below 50%. The share of the population age 25 to 34 that is unmarried jumped from 34.5% in 2000 to 46.3% nine years later. This is a massive social trend, dictated by economic realities.

This likely has less to do with the economic down turn and more to do with the reality of men knowing they are at a legal disadvantage should they marry and have children.

It used to be both man and woman were legally equal in entering a relationship. However now the government in most states gives incentives to the woman to end the marriage and enslave men for 18-21 years with hidden alimony - lifestyle child support. Most marriages here in Progressive NY that I have seen end would not have if there was not such huge financial incentives and power given by the state over their former spouse regardless of the man's economic status.