41% of People Say American Dream Is Lost; 63% Say Economy Getting Worse: Y! Finance Survey

I pppoooopp BUTTERFLIES

big government is not the same as laws or regulations big government is more paid employees and agencies to drain the taxpayer. laws to keep bussiness and polotics in check can help the middle man survive. the rich dont need help they need big government and taxpayer money.

Get rid of the greedy, self-serving, lying politicians who do the bidding of lobbyists and special interest groups.

Yes the dream of retirement for a huge amount of baby boomers is gone. So many will continue to work well into their 70's and 80's because they have either lost a huge amounof money in their retirement accounts or can't make any money in safe investments since interest rates are almost at zero. The sad part is that it is a double edge sword. Seniors can't retire and they also stop younger job seekers from having the job they would leave if they retired. Yes very sad indeed.

The dream wasn't lost. It was stolen by the corrupt, greedy and inept politicians we continue to elect. Until we change the way this government is being run, our hopes for a better life are gone. Let's make sure these morons in Washington have some skin in the game. Put them in Social Security, take away their rich pensions and make them invest in a 401(k) like the rest of us.

It is no longer about Republicans and Democrats. It is about surviving the economic collapse.

I don't understand why we don't press for term limits more and more. I would even love to see one term period. Then the politicians wouldn't vote based on whether they get reelected or not.

the illusion of America as pure and unlimited will wear thin long before the so-called leaders recognize that we've caught on

I planned and saved for retirement. I did take responsibility for my finances. In 2008, I was almost wiped out. I have a great deal of resentment toward our congress and our bankers for what happened. I was fortunate enough to move almost my retirement out of the market in October 2007, but my family's money that was in the market was cut in almost half. We have made much of the money back, but I don't trust the government nor do I trust the banksters. Many of them should be in jail for what they did to our country.

So why are we still the world cop?

America has become the land of the Kardashians... nothing more than a hollywood mirage! This is the new 21st century American values. "I am American... I want it all without breaking a sweat working for it..." Americans for the most part are pretty dumb... their consumerism mentality and lack of cultural values is what helps the ilks like the Kardashians become rich while the masses collect welfare. Welcome to the third world America!! Viva Colombia!

First off, could somebody please define just what the much heralded American Dream is? Is it purchasing a house with a 30 year mortgage, along with two leased cars in the garage, escalating power bills, and property taxes? Is this a Dream, or is it actually being enslaved without being aware of it.

Not that anyone will listen, but if you have some income, start putting a little away for retirement now, even if you are in your 20's

unfortutunately, the people to change this country are the ones who got us into this mess. and they are uneffected by the current economy. politicians, bankers and the rich are still raking in the $$$.

the only solution is to show them the american public is serious..

VOTE THE BUMS OUT

it will never happen, the american voters are the dumbest/apethetic in the world. they will all vote party lines to perpetuate the mess, but still complain.

it's your fault america,.. wake the F'up

Well at least the average American wont have to leave home to see what living in a third world country is like.

The middle class crisis in this country is based on policies that have allowed 32 trillion in wealth to be transferred to the top 1% in the last 25 years. Our political system is completely sold out to the highest corporate bidder. The president is a liar. Folks that saved a lifetime for a comfortable retirement are now destroyed by a Fed that helps large banks and pays savers 1% on their savings. I've been a conservative person my whole life but I'm now ready to join a bloody revolution to remove the filth we call our representatives.

There is no American Dream. It's an illusion provided by TV, the movies, media etc. Real life in this country is running on "pure survival mode", hanging on to jobs with no percs or advancement except for the 'higher ups'; hoping there's no major illnesses to deal with because then you will have to deal with the insurance companies IF you have insurance!!! And if you REALLY think voting in a new crop of politicians is going to change anything, it's just another part of your 'American Dream' - Keep on dreamin'!!!!

I wonder how many people are reading this on their $300 phones or $800 pads? We keep buying toys and gadgets we don't really need, homes and cars we really can't afford, and then complain we have no money. All the above come with additional monthly and yearly costs. Quit spending your money and piling up debt. That goes for both the Govt and people.

President Regan coined the phrase "Are you better off now than 4 years ago?", but it's really been the unspoken theme of every presidential campaign as far back as I can remember. The current crisis is of course how bad things are but in the past this same malaise has gripped the nation concerning inflation.

I personally know 2 different families who have either filed for bankruptcy or are on the verge of it. I have known them for over 25 years and they have never been savers, even though they had decent incomes. Yet, they had the latest gadgets, furniture, vehicles, etc. and never saved for retirement. On a personal level, I feel bad for them but overall, they have no one to blame but themselves. Americans need to learn to pay themselves first and cut unnecessary expenses.