To the Middle Township spouter on the American dream. When I look in the mirror I see a similar person that the spouter sees: I grew up fairly poor, went to school, studied and did well, earned a HS diploma and then an undergraduate degree at university. Graduated into the job market and worked my way to today, marrying and raising children and owning my own home and living debt free by choice, combined with a little luck along the way (including being born white and in the USA). The difference is I don't judge others who weren't so lucky.