What Happened to the American Dream? with Thom Hartmann
The Demise of the Middle Class and How to Restore Our Future
“Be Bold America!” Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 5:00pm (PT)
(Pledge Drive Sunday!)
What does each political party mean by “The American Dream” when they invoke this touchstone of American success?
Our comprehending the difference between the Democratic and Republican definitions of “The American Dream” provides us a clear understanding of each political party’s motivations and the future they would design for America and whether or not “The American Dream” could be renewed.
Before Ronald Reagan’s presidency the middle class was 66% of the country. Now, it is 43%.
Which America do you want to live in? …
*When Democrats invoke the American Dream, they mean something very specific, pioneered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They understand that a middle class is not a “normal” thing that naturally evolves in nations; the first more-than-half-of-us American middle class came about post-1940s as a result of specific policies put into place by FDR. Thus, Democrats argue, the American Dream includes the opportunity or ability to, for example:
— Move into the middle class with a good union job so a single wage-earner can support a family
— Buy a home for a reasonable price where the mortgage doesn’t exceed a third of post-tax household income
— Live safely without fear that your home will be broken into or your child can be shot at school or on the playground
— Have decent healthcare that won’t bankrupt you if somebody gets sick
*When Republicans — particularly billionaires and multimillionaires like Trump and Vance — invoke the American Dream, they largely ignore the middle class. Instead, that phrase to them means the ability to live like King Midas and, for example:
— Buy judges for the Supreme Court to get decisions that make their life easier
— Legally bribe judges and politicians at every level from the county commissioners to Congress and the president, and
— Avoid paying taxes so successfully that the average American billionaire today pays less than 8 percent in income taxes.
*Written by Thom Hartmann
Interview Guest:
Thom Hartmann (first half hour) is a New York Times bestselling author of over thirty books and has been America’s #1 progressive talk radio show host for more than a decade. His influential show is carried on SiriusXM and radio stations nationwide, and it is simulcast as a television program on Free Speech TV.
Thom Hartmann’s latest series of books, titled Hidden History, tackles critical subjects such as guns, healthcare, the Supreme Court, democracy, voting rights among others. His newest release, The Hidden History of the American Dream: The Demise of the Middle Class―and How to Rescue Our Future, explores the erosion of the American middle class and offers actionable solutions to restore economic opportunity and fairness. With his incisive commentary and well-researched insights, Thom Hartmann continues to be a trusted voice in progressive media, engaging audiences with his articulate analysis of today’s most pressing issues.
Interview Guest (second half hour)
Elaine Johnson is the Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County. Elaine is at the forefront of advocating for affordable housing and she works tirelessly to ensure that housing justice and equity are realized for all. Elaine is also a certified mediator who has honed her skills across a diverse range of fields, including juvenile dependency, community and divorce mediation, criminal law, and nonprofit leadership. To learn more please visit: housingsantacruzcounty.com/
