George Carlin once said, “They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.” » Unfortunately, he wasn't far from the truth. This American dream once suggested that hard work would be rewarded over time. The big house and the shiny new car, although clichéd and materialistic, were the goals by which the people of this country sought a rigorous education and a living wage. Today, with unemployment at an all-time high and millions of Americans living below or on the poverty line, it's difficult to determine whether the dream is to get these things or just to "get by." . Over the years, the idea of ​​the American dream has deteriorated due to various adverse socio-economic factors. These include low morale, unequal opportunities, a widening gap between rich and poor, diminishing job opportunities and the rising cost of higher education. An economic tug of war is taking place in which approximately 40% of all American wealth is owned by 1% of the country's population, leaving no middle ground. This small portion of wealthy Americans holds the highest concentration of wealth since the Gilded Age of the late 19th century. Controlling vast corporations and millions in stock investments, the aristocracy also has great influence in politics (Davis). Many payments to lobbyists and political candidates give them easy access to policies that will protect their wealth, such as gradual tax repeal. Many politicians tilt their decisions in favor of the wealthy investors who supported their expensive campaigns. With just under half of Congress made up of millionaires, it's difficult for those outside of this upper class to have a voice. Using their wealth as a resource...... middle of paper ......April 3, 2014.Gordon, Marcy. “Student loans can negatively impact the U.S. economy.” What is the future of the American economy? Ed. Ronald D. Lankford, Jr. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. At issue. Rep. “Student Loans Sow the Seeds of Economic Evil” form. USA Today, September 30, 2007. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. April 3, 2014. Kaiser, Robert G. So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of the American Government. New York: Knopf, 2009. Print. Lach, Alex. “5 Facts About Offshore Outsourcing.” Center for American Progress. Np, July 9, 2012. Web. April 8, 2014. Martin, Patrick. “The American population is increasingly divided by wealth.” What is the future of the American economy? Ed. Ronald D. Lankford, Jr. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. At issue. Rep. Excerpt from “Crisis Christmas in America”. http://wsws.org. 2011. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. April 3. 2014.