The American Dream Is Not Dead

But Populism Could Kill It

By: Michael R. Strain

Narrated by: Walter Dixon

Populists on both sides of the political aisle routinely announce that the American Dream is dead. According to them, the game has been rigged by elites, workers can't get ahead, wages have been stagnant for decades, and the middle class is dying. Michael R. Strain, director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, disputes this rhetoric as both wrong and dangerous.

In this succinctly argued volume, he shows that, on measures of economic opportunity and quality of life, there has never been a better time to be alive in America. He backs his argument with overwhelming - and underreported - data to show how the facts favor realistic optimism.

He warns, however, that the false prophets of populism pose a serious danger to our current and future prosperity. Their policies would leave workers worse off. And their erroneous claim that the American Dream is dead could discourage people from taking advantage of real opportunities to better their lives. If enough people start to believe the Dream is dead, they could, in effect, kill it. To prevent this self-fulfilling prophecy, Strain's book is a must-listen for anyone feeling the pull of the populists.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Michael R. Strain (P)2020 Tantor

Admirably concise and honest

While I don't agree with everything in this book, I give the book 5 stars for not wasting his reader's time. This book achieves what it sets out to do, demonstrating that life isn't as bad as doomsayer politicians make out. While prosperity may be increasing at a slower rate than in previous generations, absolute standards of living are better than at any time in history.

The author admirably turned the book over to competent ideological opponents - standing in for skeptical readers - who present the vigorous counterarguments. Finally, the author makes honest attempts to address this issues raised by the critiques.

It was full of clear, unbiased facts

I love that it addressed populism on both political spectrum. It refuted the populist rhetoric on both sides of the political debate with facts and reason while not dismissing the problems that the economy faces.

Concise and impactful education for socialists

A compact and insightful education for anti American socialists who love to blame capitalism without knowing the facts.

Full of lies in the face of reality, dream is dead

You're fooling yourself believing that the American Dream is still alive. Citing facts and figures that the living standard today is better than yesterday doesn't really help dealing with reality that most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Yes the dream is still alive for the educated professionals or the working poor because there are plenty of jobs for those people, but for the middle class, those good paying manufacturing jobs that built this country, there are no jobs left for them. Most American believed the Dream is dead, citing stats saying it's not is not going to change anything. I live longer than my parent's generation but I live poorer because of no retirement like they had, am I better off? Longer life expectancy doesn't mean the Dream is not dead. I am more educated than my parents but can't keep up with living expenses, am I better off? Probably not.