The solutions to this problem, to a significant degree, were embodied in the 'Land of Opportunity' and the 'American Dream', very popular identities for the cou

The solutions to this problem, to a significant degree, were embodied in the 'Land of Opportunity' and the 'American Dream', very popular identities for the country. The idea was that 'only in America' did poor immigrants and natives have the opportunity to accomplish great things, and was a poor person seen as just as important and deserving as a wealthy one (an outgrowth of the rejection of aristocracy and the foundation of universal human rights - 'all men are created equal', 'liberty and justice for all'). Now it's popular (though not universal) to say immigrants are unwelcome; to cut education, health care, and other programs necessary for opportunity; and more and more power is concentrated in the hands of the wealthy. Rather than encouraged and supported in the ambition of the 'American Dream', you now hear non-wealthy people encouraged to stay within their class - don't go to college; don't dream big; learn to be a plumber. When is the last time you heard the 'Land of Opportunity' or 'American Dream' mentioned?