Dispatches: The Changing American Dream

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

Utilizing public resources is one of the many ways working middle-class families are fighting to survive. Patch released a story about local resident Angeline Barnes who believes the resources have been key in advancing her education and expanding her job possibilities.

With two growing teenagers living at the house — 18-year-old Jerry and 16-year-old Michael — supporting the family and getting an education has been a challenge.

(Click for the full story related to our new Dispatches initiative.)

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Lakewood neighbors, fit along these fault lines.
 In Pierce County, there's debate about the effects of war concerning soldiers returning from combat.

Part of our American Dream is built on national security and freedom, but Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health issues bring into question the price U.S. soldiers pay upon returning home, attempting to live their American Dream.

(Click to read the story about “March Forward” advocacy group, which has been rallying for an end to the war in Afghanistan and better health-care treatment of returning service members and veterans).

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams which a multitude of people are working toward. Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Lakewood go to the heart of your American Dream.