A lot of ink and electrons have been devoted to “the American dream”. Rather than talking about the dream, let’s instead talk about what might be called “the American promise” which I would characterize as if you work hard, follow the rules, and keep your nose clean, you’ll have a decent life.
What are the implications of that not being true? What if the only way you can have a decent life is by cutting every corner you can, breaking the law, and looking out for #1? What are the implications of that?
The implications are political and social turmoil at the very least.
Your post walked right into my position regarding my families life support, Central States Pension Fund. Scheduled to be broke by 2025. Run by the dept. of Labor since the Consent Decree in 1981. Part of my compensation for the last 41 years. (contributions). Taxed benefits after retirement, most of the rest spent for health insurance. If the fund dries up, I have to ask, was I a fool the entire time? Then I will be another little old man, begging for work.
That you become Senator from NY, Secy of State and then lose two elections for President.
The obvious example here is our current POTUS. You would think Andy’s conclusion correct, but the Trump supporters seem to actually support his behavior, like it was really clever to continue to make money off of being president.
Steve
That’s one of the paradoxes of Jacksonians. They have a code of honor and think of themselves as religious but they’re not above being sharp traders. It’s all very Calvinist.