American dreams?

“Our success will be found in speaking directly to the American people about a rebirth of the American Dream for this generation and generations to come.” – Michael Steele, RNC chairman

Thank you Michael Steele for this week's inpsiration. Though he's referring specifically to the Republican party, I'd like to use his quote as a reflection upon the non-partisan American Dream regardless of party, political affiliation, race, religion etc. For those of you that know me, you probably also know my politics. But I don't want to use this blog as a forum to preach my own views; rather I'd like to use it to share my deep pride in being American and my belief that this country has acheived much for its people and the citizens of the world and will continue do so.

But America needs to wake up. She's in an identity crisis. Driven by homgenization and pop culture, government scandal and consumerism, Americans are in danger of losing sight of values we once held dear. We're wrapped up in "the man" and in the media; in regulations and in economic struggle. I fear that the American people face a bleak future if we -- you, me, and our peers -- don't take a serious internal look and reflect upon what values we hold dear and how we're going to keep them alive in today's America. Perhaps we don't all share the same values, but the bottom line is that we need some.

Read it again, and imagine you're the one saying it. Replace "the American people" with "our children." Pretty powerful, huh?

“Our success will be found in speaking directly to the American people about a rebirth of the American Dream for this generation and generations to come.”