The American Dream In the article Inequality and the American Dream published in the Economist, the author Paul Krugman proposes to solve the disparity in our economic system by increasing taxes on the wealthy. The real reason for this disparity is because of our economic system. Our government is based on capitalism that allows economic freedom in doing business without government control. The American dream shells from this system that promises personal gain and prosperity to those who work hard. This is encouraged further by our selfish human nature to have great things for ourselves.
A simple example of this is the concept of that evil, deceptive tax cut. That same party will tell you that the only way to make money from taxes is to raise them until every rich patron of this country is paying an arm and a leg just to stay alive. Not only does this punish the rich for being rich, it is a form of socialism though it's redistribution of money in an attempt to reward the idle for doing nothing, and punish the busy for endeavoring to make money. Doesn't make much sense does
He often states that the rich are necessary because they lead our economy and that their money helps them to do so. Then later in the books he calls the rich greedy and that they have more money than enough money for them to have a luxurious life. He is basically saying that while some families are struggling to have at least one meal a day, the rich just save/blow money on useless things. He quotes on pg. 20 that “The poor cannot be expected to save, because they need every dollar for basic needs such as food and shelter.
Meanwhile, the richest Americans continue to expand their wealth. The middle class in this country is dying, while the millionaires and billionaires prosper. More and more people are slipping into poverty, while many Republicans oppose tax hikes for the “job creators”. Paine also describes America as a place free of conflict, and as place where “every difficulty retires and all the parts are brought into cordial unison.” This not only does not hold true today, but it contradicts one of the fundamental characteristics of America: the fact that as Americans we are entitled to disagree with each other and argue endlessly about any given subject. Argument and disagreement are huge part of what makes his country great.
However, leaving all the wealth may do more harm than good for the society. The second mode illustrates the man who gives after death, should not be remembered as someone doing good for society. In Carnegie’s eyes, these men are hoping they could take their fortune with them upon death. “By taxing estates heavily at death the State marks its condemnation of the selfish millionaire’s unworthy life.” Since there are only a few very wealthy individuals, Carnegie believes these individuals should spend their excess wealth in ways to improve the society. Not in monetary handouts, but in a manner in which to have a lasting advantage.
He is so blinded by his luxurious possessions that he does not see that money cannot buy love or happiness. The author argues that the common, and false, perception of the American Dream is that wealth, happiness, and a trouble-free life go hand-in-hand. However, through diction, foreshadowing, and irony, Fitzgerald demonstrates how a dream can become corrupted by one’s focus on acquiring wealth, power, and love. From the very beginning of the novel, Fitzgerald creates the illusion in Gatsby’s mind that wealth automatically generates happiness. When Fitzgerald envisions, “however glorious might be his future… he was at present a penniless young man without a past…” (149).
(1-2 sentences, be specific) ***Carnegie writes to the rich and his theme is to not spend irresponsibly. If a person is wealthy they shouldn't be selfish and keep that money to themselves. But, they should put that money at a better cause. Carnegie speaks generally, but as a reader the
And you’re a part of It.” Highlights that the money made through the institution is the only contributing factor to power and status. This conflicts with the view of Bud’s father Carl Fox who believes money is made through hard work and honesty. “The rich have been doing it [exploiting] to the poor since the beginning of time” demonstrating how the institution has the power to corrupt one and alter their core values, drawing the divide between the wealthy and the lacking. Moreover, the greed within the institution directly correlates with the constraints of modern society where money is viewed as a source of power. The individuals place in society is determined by the allowance one gives to the institution to become a part of their
Carnegie’s The Gospel of Wealth Andrew Carnegie wrote The Gospel of Wealth in 1889 describing what he thought to be the responsibility of the self-made rich. Carnegie’s writing may be found controversial to some readers. Carnegie’s arguments are found valid for his belief that the wealthy should set a good example to other people in every financial class and is also valid concerning employer/employee relations. His argument is found to be invalid for the reasons that he believes unless you are among what he considers the “fittest” in society you do not have the mental capability of making financial decisions for yourself. Carnegie’s argument is found to be valid because he thought it was important for wealthy men to set an example to others by living a modest life.
Lewis Lapham, in his book Money and Class in America, describes that Americans focus exclusively on obtaining money. After earning tons of money, Americans buy unnecessary, fancy items such as; fancy cars, designer clothing and over-the-top houses. America seems very “materialistic” compared to other countries where wealth isn’t the center of their world. Lapham is correct when he claims that Americans “are at a loss to hold its [money’s] majesty at bay.” Being a junior in high school, I have had lots of time to think about what kind of career I should plunge into. When choosing the perfect profession, the amount of money is a very important component to me because I want to easily care for myself and those around me.