"The More Factor" Analysis

After reading "The More Factor" (p.89), I was thoroughly disappointed with the authors commentary. I am not excited for this blog entry since this information seems quite obvious to me. Shames writing comes down to a basic theory. That the economy of the United States is progressively reducing in productivity growth resulting in American citizens feeling a loss of identity to what our country once symbolized. Shames supports his theory with statistical evidence from economists regarding wealth changes over multiple decades ranging from the late 40's to the early 80's. The rest of his claims are opinion based and taken from observation. Shames writes about Americans values being forced to change as our wealth continually changes.

This essay contributes to broaden our innate belief's about our current economic situation and to expand our thoughts to how we thoughtlessly identify ourselves through our country on a hierarchy, being above the rest of the world.

I agree with the writer to an extent. Many people migrated to America to achieve a better life, make a higher income and possibly pursuit their idea of happiness. We carry this message through out generations by raising our children with this attitude and belief. As our economy is declining and our debt is increasing, many Americans feel insecure about their high status in the world and their purpose. America's economic and political system has supported personal growth based on what each individual can achieve. I think many American's lived, until recently, in a bubble, believing that America is all powerful and will always be the leading force in the world. As we have seen many times through out history, empires, rulers or countries who hold supreme power, eventually fall. Is this decline something we will bounce back from? Or is it the beginning to the end of the "American dream"?