Throughout our history, there have been alternative, competing visions of the "good life" in America. The story of how these competing visions played out in our history is prologue to an important question: What is the American Dream and what is its future?

The issue came up in the early Republic, offspring of the ambiguity in Jefferson's declaration that we have an unalienable right to "the pursuit of happiness." Darrin McMahon in his admirable book, Happiness: A History, will be our guide here.

Americans are number one in quite a few areas—but they’re not all accomplishments to be proud of.

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Originally published on YES! Magazine website

If America’s present system of political economy were performing well, there would be little need to question it or seek fundamental change. But that is not the case.

Asked what the key goals of economic life should be, many would reply, “to enhance social well-being while sustaining democratic prospects and environmental quality.” Judged by this standard, today’s political economy is failing.