Is the American Dream Broken?

WASHINGTON, DC â?? The United States has long been viewed as the â??land of opportunity,â? where those who work hard get ahead. Belief in this fundamental feature of Americaâ??s national identity has persisted, even though inequality has been gradually rising for decades. But, in recent years, the trend toward extremes of income and wealth has accelerated significantly, owing to demographic shifts, the economyâ??s skills bias, and fiscal policy. Is the collapse of the American dream at hand?