This audio essay explores the gap between the ideals of the American Dream – "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" – and the realities of modern American life. It examines how factors like economic inequality, student debt, and the decline of middle-class jobs are challenging the very foundation of this cherished belief. The essay delves into the historical roots of this tension, tracing it back to the founding fathers and the compromises made in the Constitution. It analyzes how the pursuit of economic growth has often come at the expense of social and economic justice. Ultimately, the essay poses a critical question: Can a system built on the inherent tension between democracy and unchecked capitalism ever truly deliver on the promise of a just and equitable society for all?
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