is the american dream available to everyone?
what criteria should be used to determine when, if ever, the govn`t should be able to limit an individual ability to:
a. believe as one chooses
b. practice one`s beliefs
c.use one`s own property
d. associate with whoever one chooses
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.overview.html
The Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights (first ten amendments).
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These are debatable, legally, morally, and culturally. They were debated when the founding fathers created our country, and still are. Nowadays, the Supreme Court rules in the debate. We will be happy to critique your thinking.
Consider the current events:
Abortion
The trial of "" undergoing now as a side issue in polygamy.
Muslums gathering for prayer and communion and a few radicals come there occassionally.
Prayer in public schools. Prayer at football games.
Chapels in public hospitals with Christian crosses on the walls.
Spanking of ones own children (as if they were one's property)
Gun ownership.
Dress codes.
and so on.
The concept of the American Dream suggests that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve upward social mobility and success in the United States. However, whether the American Dream is available to everyone is a complex and debated question.
Determining if the American Dream is available to everyone involves assessing various factors, such as social and economic inequalities, discrimination, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Different people may have different perspectives on this issue. Some argue that certain barriers, such as systemic racism, poverty, and lack of resources, can limit individuals' ability to achieve the American Dream. Others contend that with hard work, determination, and equal opportunities, anyone can attain their goals.
To evaluate if the American Dream is attainable for all, one can consider analyzing statistical data on income inequality, social mobility, education attainment, and opportunities for different socioeconomic groups. Examining historical trends, policies, and societal structures that have shaped access to opportunities can also provide valuable insights.
It is essential to recognize that individual circumstances and experiences can vary widely, and there may be systemic barriers that need to be addressed to ensure equal access to the American Dream for everyone.
Regarding the criteria for determining when the government should limit an individual's ability to believe, practice their beliefs, use their own property, or associate with others, it is important to strike a balance between individual freedoms and societal interests. In democratic societies, the principles of freedom of belief, religion, private property rights, and association are generally safeguarded.
However, there may be instances where limitations on these freedoms are deemed necessary to protect public safety, prevent harm to others, or uphold certain societal values. The criteria for such limitations are often established through legal frameworks and are subject to interpretation by courts and lawmakers.
For example, limitations on individual beliefs or the practice of beliefs can be set if they incite violence, promote discrimination, or violate human rights. Restrictions on property use may be imposed to protect public health, ensure environmental sustainability, or prevent unlawful activities. Similarly, limitations on association may be justified if an individual's actions involve criminal activities, pose a threat to national security, or infringe upon the rights and well-being of others.
Determining the criteria for when the government can limit these individual abilities involves a delicate balance between respecting fundamental rights and protecting broader societal interests. These considerations typically involve ongoing discussions, legal frameworks, and democratic processes to ensure that limitations are reasonable, proportionate, and in the best interest of society as a whole.