Despite living through a period of 40-year high levels of inflation, and a sluggish housing market that has made homeownership increasingly unattainable, the spirit of self-government which has defined America since 1776 remains alive and well within young people who still believe that their hard work, effort, and character will help them realize their American dream. Their optimism, however, will slowly erode if we fall short of this country’s federalist ideals and fail to strike a healthier balance between national and local governance.
As the United States waged an ideological war against the Soviet Union in the latter half of the 20th century, the American dream became a symbol of prosperity, one which captured the imagination of millions around the world who sought a better life. My father, who grew up in a family of modest means in India, would tell my brother and I stories of how his parents struggled financially, and regularly encouraged me to seek a life in America rather than continue living in Singapore, an authoritarian regime with little regard for individual liberty.
I moved to America for the first time in 2021, confident that I could live the American dream as many had done before me. The journey hasn’t been without its struggles, but in the past three years, I have met lawmakers, judges, scholars, and experts all across the country who have provided me with opportunities I never would have thought possible, opportunities available only in a country which sees its people as active participants in government and public policy rather than obedient subjects.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
How Localism Ignites The American Dream
Nikhil Agarwal
Despite living through a period of 40-year high levels of inflation, and a sluggish housing market that has made homeownership increasingly unattainable, the spirit of self-government which has defined America since 1776 remains alive and well within young people who still believe that their hard work, effort, and character will help them realize their American dream. Their optimism, however, will slowly erode if we fall short of this country’s federalist ideals and fail to strike a healthier balance between national and local governance.
As the United States waged an ideological war against the Soviet Union in the latter half of the 20th century, the American dream became a symbol of prosperity, one which captured the imagination of millions around the world who sought a better life. My father, who grew up in a family of modest means in India, would tell my brother and I stories of how his parents struggled financially, and regularly encouraged me to seek a life in America rather than continue living in Singapore, an authoritarian regime with little regard for individual liberty.
I moved to America for the first time in 2021, confident that I could live the American dream as many had done before me. The journey hasn’t been without its struggles, but in the past three years, I have met lawmakers, judges, scholars, and experts all across the country who have provided me with opportunities I never would have thought possible, opportunities available only in a country which sees its people as active participants in government and public policy rather than obedient subjects.
Read the entire essay here.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.