Freedom in 2012

The American Dream, as we see it, is the amalgam of many dreams for folks coming to or living in the United States…35 significant dreams to be exact.  Each dream or dimension supports the overall idea of the American Dream and is valued separately.  As originators of the ADCI, we often get asked to identify the dream or dreams that are furthest along (have the highest score).  Well, since the beginning of our data collection, two dimensions have stood out and they are both freedoms:  freedom of expression and political freedom.  Through these tough economic times, both dimensions have seen scores well above 80.  That is, with each, we are well over 80% of the way to fully achieving these dreams in the United States.  While not perfect, these are by far the leaders among other dimensions. In fact our Trust in Government has averaged below 40 in this same time frame.  As we move forward in the 2012 election process, it does give us hope that our ability to express ourselves, vote freely, and make our own political choices represent the dreams that are most valued and farthest along.

The Importance of Common Values (Part 1)

In light of recent increases in both the trust in business and trust in government sub-indices of the American Dream Composite Index, we are left to ponder possible reasons for these changing sentiments.  While the precise reasons are likely many and varied, and fairly difficult to discern accurately, there are informed insights on the part of educators, business leaders, and students (among others) that may prove illuminating.  A recent report by the Business Roundtable Institute for Corporate Ethics, for instance, suggests that an important component of public trust in business is the creation of mutual values and interests across these two entities.  Are such common values and/or interests beginning to take shape?  If so, what are these values and interests?  And, if such values and interests still allude us, what should or will they be?

Trust in our Government. Who Saw that Coming?

As I was contemplating the content of our first blog entry, I just happened to be watching the returns of the Republican South Carolina primary.  I was a bit shocked at the last minute twist in the results, but then again nothing seemed out of place.  With our President experiencing his lowest approval rating to date and Congress receiving historically low approval ratings (even though the economy does appear to be recovering), it looks as if up is down and wrong is right in politics.  So, I wonder, what are we really approving (or not approving) of.

If one of our elected officials supports an idea, one single idea, that we stand in opposition to or, at the very least, don’t have the same zest for, do we disapprove of the overall job they are doing?  I know this seems a bit obtuse, but if one is simply asked to approve or disapprove of someone else, what factors are being considered?  Rather than focusing solely on a single notion - approval, I believe a better measure may be valuing the multifaceted trust we have in our elected officials.  That is, do we believe our government is acting fairly, being trustworthy, and working in our (its citizens) best interests.  The American Dream Composite Index measures this very notion, along with many more.  While other measures have shown a growing negative trend in government approval, our values for Trust in Government have been on the rise.  Since October 2011 this measure has increased steadily every month and now stands at a six month high.  This is a very positive statement at a very important time.  I suppose the next question should be, “If we are finally beginning to trust government, are we beginning to trust businesses as well?”.  Our survey says…...