Maybe his American dream was to destroy the American dream?

I can't tell from the post is you're for or against Obama. I'm planning (against my better judgment) to do a post on my blog about my Obama vote - - - it's a complex decision. Suffice it to say I believe he will win with a massive landslide. I wouldn't wish the job on anyone at this point; he's inheriting a godawful mess.

And I hope to never hear another squeak from that dimwitted Palin again in my wife. What a retard.

Classy

His upward mobility has been navigated through political opportunism--not genuine accomplishment. So the way to move up is to do that which is politically expedient. It's been politically expedient all of these years in liberal circles to keep company with Ayers, Khalidi, "Marxist professors" et al, but now it's not. So now you cloak your real views and associations in semantics, play to the middle, and prop up your public image as a change agent by inflating the collective misery. It's perfectly consistent with the path of HIS "American Dream."

Because being negative and unappreciative is the liberal way. Everything is always bad and wrong. America is always bad and wrong. Capitalists are bad and wrong. It's not "cool" to be successful and have money because somewhere, you are screwing some poor peasant out of their entitlements - all because you worked hard, stayed clean, had initiative and are proud of your wealth and success. You should not revel in your success because you need to help that poor slob who made bad choices and you should redistribute it to him. And if you don't, you are EVIL. THAT is what is wrong with America.

like most liberals, what is good for me is not necessarily good for you, the hypocrisy of liberalism to the extreme

Andy, he is THE ONE.

He is the only person who was able to RISE UP (oh ya!), out of the DARKNESS (mmmhmm!), to FIGHT for his BROTHERS and his SISTERS (amen brother!). He will tell THE MAN that we are SICK AND TIRED of his SELFISH WAYS (sing it!). He will TAKE BACK (that's right!) that which was TAKEN from our people and give them their AMERICAN RIGHT (yes!) of having health care for all and a check from uncle Sam, all paid for by those evil greedy big oil / fortune 500 CEOs! (hallelujah!!!!)

It's called pandering, and it's a bipartisan affair.

What's sad is that that kind of pandering plays so well to such a large crowd.

I don't have a theory, but I've got another story? Here is mine : 25, french, successful entrepreneur here in France (at least selected by BW as one of the best below 25 in Europe). Graduated from top engineeering school in France, got MS from US University, got a degree from top Business school in Paris (ESSEC), came to the US, worked 2 years as junior investment banker at BNP Paribas in San Francisco.
5 months ago, I created and startup in which I invested all my wealth (ok, it's just $150k, but still...) applied for a visa...

I went to the US consulate last week for an interview and the guy I met said : "25? you're too young to be in charge of a start-up..; don't you think?".

So, yes, I am convinced that something is broken in the American Dream... and I am afraid, it's not just me!

;-)

I agree with Scott above. Besides, as you pointed out yourself, you don't need anyone's permission to start your own thing. If its a good idea and executed well, you will be successful. That opportunity is the American dream and it is alive and well.

What? America's broken because a clerk opined that you were too young to be in charge of a start-up?

Sorry, but that is pretty weak. I suppose we should judge all of France by the rude waiter at a tourist trap cafe in Paris?