I debate whether the American Dream is still achievable in front of thousands of people at FreedomFest in Las Vegas.
THE MOST POWERFUL MAN IN VEGAS: Steve Wynn, who has been called "The master builder of Las Vegas" is clearly living the dream with several mega- resorts around the world. He says the American Dream is alive and well in Silicon Valley. But he still trashes some of their products. I confront him about that.
WHOLE FOODS: Government's anti-monopoly prosecution is another obstacle to the Dream. John Mackey, founder of Whole Foods, was sued by the Federal Trade Commission for being a monopolist, but "you don't need the government to protect people from monopolies, because the market protects people from monopolies."
MINORITIES: It's much easier for whites to make it because minorities face racism and discrimination. Not true!...says Star Parker of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education.
KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE: Grover Norquist is more optimistic about the American Dream than I am. He points to the growth of home-schooling, school-choice, and other reductions of government control in the states as evidence that advocates of small government can win.
MY TAKE: America is a country where if you try something and fail, that's okay. We know about Thomas Edison's success with the lightbulb, but few people know that Edison failed much more often. Henry Ford's first company failed completely. Dr. Seuss' first book was rejected by 27 publishers. Oprah was fired from her first job as a reporter, and a TV station called her "unfit for TV". So when I say, "idiot government regulation and high taxes are killing opportunity," ignore me and prove me wrong!
