What the American Dream Means to You, Essay Example

When I think of America, I think of a country which leads the world in not only innovation and social issues but is also the finest example of cultural diversity of any country. In this country, one’s fate is not determined at birth but through the choices one makes and the actions one takes over his/her lifetime. In this country, human potential is admired and constitution and government ensures a level-playing field for everyone irrespective of their national, ethnic, cultural, and racial background. This is exactly what I call an ‘American Dream’. Americans believe in the unlimited potential of individuals who are not afraid to chart their own course and the society steps forward to help those why may be at a disadvantageous position. I want to become a value investor because I am fascinated by investing and even though I admire Warren Buffet, I am more inspired by Buffet’s ideals than his financial accomplishments. I plan to work at an investment firm to gain experience and expand my thinking horizon and eventually plan to open my own asset management firm. I don’t see anything wrong with ambitious financial goals as long as one doesn’t let go of ethical values and money does allow one to make significant differences in the society. I do want to make money but eventually hope to donate most of my net worth to issues like education and scientific research. I want to help level playing field for those who may have the drive and work ethics but lack of financial resources prevent them from moving forward. No one should be left behind just because he/she was not born in a rich family. In America we celebrate personal accomplishments and not hereditary privileges. In addition, I also believe in scientific progress because we should leave a better world for future generations just as our ancestors left one for us.

The federal government has a responsibility to ensure that all basic human rights are available to everyone including access to education and healthcare. Education is probably the greatest investment in a country’s future and it is ironical that the government commits hundreds of billions of dollars to overseas military campaigns and yet struggles to invest significant resources in its students. I want the government to increase funding to public universities and implement more generous student loan policies. The academic quality gap between private and public universities should be reduced because it will help level the playing field between rich and poor students. My American Dream also involves a society which treats everyone fairly which is why I want the government to impose same tax rates on income and investment activities. The country will only progress if the richest Americans will also be willing to make sacrifices otherwise the debt burden will eventually crumble the American dream for all of us. Our future and dreams are connected to the future of the country itself and we should become more realistic before it’s too late. I believe in fiscal conservatism but a lot more could be accomplished with equitable tax rates. This is why I admire Warren Buffet because he holds a long-term view and realizes that the country’s challenges are far greater than we realize and the time has been fast running out. My American Dream involves not only personal accomplishments but also securing a bright future for the incoming generations. It would not be fair to deprive them of an American Dream we all have become used to.