The False Belief that the American Dream is an Entitlement

It is an unfortunate occurrence as of late that many people believe this to be true. Personally I believe that there are very few things that anyone is entitled to – except your opinionJ. The only way we will remain a great nation is to believe in hard work and actually have hope and faith in its future. We did not get to where we are today as a nation by believing in entitlement or by leaching off of other people's efforts. The majority of previous generations of Americans worked hard and spent wisely to achieve happiness. Too many of us think that we should be able to have all of what our parents have instantly.
The American dream always involved working for your dreams and never involved the victim mentality we see too often today. The "bailouts" (i.e. colossal misuse of taxpayer funds) are a prime example of this "entitlement" mentality and will likely lead to another economic "meltdown." Inflation and interest rate hikes are soon to follow - mark my words. That is another subject all together though:)
Companies have to make the right decisions or be outdone by other more competitive ones. Capitalism will weed out those who do not achieve and the free market will encourage the growth and development of new businesses. This is the way it should be - not paying companies (and/or union bosses or CEO’s) for poor management and greed. The UAW and other unions have lost focus on what free enterprise and competition mean. They want all the benefits they can get without thought to the overall success of the company. Everything in life requires give and take. This was made very clear to me when the UAW would not budge on benefits even as the company failed. This mentality most of all is what brought GM and Chrysler to bankruptcy in my opinion. The UAW was not looking at the big picture. A successful GM and Chrysler would mean more well-paying and secure jobs and more access to benefits for all of their workers. They could then modernize and make vehicles more efficiently and with better work environments. Toyota, Honda and other car companies are more modern and efficient and make cars people want and thus are succeeding.
It is our generation and the ones to follow that must carry the banner of liberty, hard work, ingenuity and competition to get our country back on track. Life is hard and will never be fair. The sooner we all realize this and accept it, the faster we as a nation will be willing to do what it takes to keep our ideals and dreams alive. Each of us has to play the hand we're dealt and then capitalize on our abilities. I always wanted to be a fighter pilot, but could not due to health issues. Is this unfair? I used to think so, but I changed focus and now work doing something else. I am just as fulfilled now than I would have been if I had been able to be a fighter pilot. There are always other alternatives when roadblocks are placed in our paths. Playing victims only leads to excuse-making and stifles ingenuity and drive.
We as a nation are at an extremely important juncture. We can either choose to go down the tired road of failed socialist policy or renew our resolve to take what life throws at us. I personally will never submit to the idea that the government will solve all of our problems; nor will I give up on the true American dream. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness is the true American dream, not a free house, car etc. Notice that it is the "pursuit of happiness," not simply happiness. The achievement of that dream requires effort and sacrifice. Though painful now, I believe that the bankruptcy of two of our auto manufacturers will re-kindle ingenuity and innovation and spur on totally new industries and technologies. Competition and drive are essential to our continued financial success and should be encouraged, not shunned.