American Dream vs. American Greed

本帖最后由 洛客 于 2011-12-18 23:58 编辑

Wikipedia: The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes the promise of prosperity and success. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

American dream has led to almost pure capitalism, governed by various levels of laws and regulations that require constant debate among politicians to evolve and improve. Despite there are plenty opportunities for hardworking people to grow professionally and financially in this Promised Land, under the current circumstances, the haves seem getting richer and the have-nots poorer.

Opportunity is a double edged sword. It encourages individuals to work hard and be creative; but it often entices people to commit monetary crimes. America is by no means close to a utopia.

America Greed is a CNBC program, which focuses on the stories behind some of the biggest corporate and white collar crimes in the United States such as WorldCom, HealthSouth and Tyco. In addition, stories about more common crimes such as insurance fraud, murder, embezzlement, art theft, Ponzi schemes, credit card fraud, bank robbery, money laundering, identity theft, and medical fraud are also featured.