Thousands of Citizens Draft a New ‘Contract for the American Dream’

August 9, 2011 - Posted by Ron Bigler

Amid an economy failing to produce full employment, extended wars, and a disproportionate focus on shredding the nation’s social safety net to protect the fortunes of the few, thousands of citizens have come together online to draft a new “Contract for the American Dream.”

Organized by the Rebuild the Dream movement, the “Contract for the American Dream” reflects the efforts of more than 130,000 citizens to produce an agenda to restore hope and opportunities for the growing number of Americans being left behind.

We, the American people, promise to defend and advance a simple ideal: liberty and justice . . . for all. Americans who are willing to work hard and play by the rules should be able to find a decent job, get a good home in a strong community, retire with dignity, and give their kids a better life. Every one of us – rich, poor, or in-between, regardless of skin color or birthplace, no matter their sexual orientation or gender – has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That is our covenant, our compact, our contract with one another. It is a promise we can fulfill – but only by working together.

The document goes on to list 10 ideas for getting the U.S. economy moving and working for all:

I. Invest in America's Infrastructure

II. Create 21st Century Energy Jobs

III. Invest in Public Education

IV. Offer Medicare for All

V. Make Work Pay

VI. Secure Social Security

VII. Return to Fairer Tax Rates

VIII. End the Wars and Invest at Home

IX. Tax Wall Street Speculation

X. Strengthen Democracy

To read the full "Contract for the American Dream" and learn more, go to contract.rebuildthedream.com and watch the video below.