Coming Together to Save the American Dream

 

Recently, The New York Times published a moving article by Robert Putnam about the heartbreaking deterioration of Port Clinton, Ohio. In "Crumbling American Dreams," he put into words what many of us have been witnessing and experiencing throughout the U.S. as manufacturing has left this nation.

Robert talks about his childhood in a small town where parents were hardworking and children had the promise of upward mobility. In talking about his childhood peers, "Nearly three-quarters of them surpassed their parents in education and in that way advanced economically as well." At the time, they had no reason to believe things would change.

Decades later he finds Port Clinton in a sad state. The disappearance of manufacturing has rendered many unemployed and left stores derelict. The average worker in Ottawa County, who is lucky to have a job, makes on average 16% than their grandfather did after adjusting for inflation.

The economic conditions also have taken a toll on the social fabric of the town. Families are struggling to string along jobs. Divorce rates are high. Drug usage is up. With so many stressors, the support system that was once in place is no longer there.

In irony, Robert explains that the wealthy have bought some of the land cheaply and have built mansions. The mansions stand in stark contrast to the everyday life of most in Port Clinton.

I really urge you to read this article. Robert may have written about Port Clinton specifically. However, he has really written about many towns across America. This is the very reason that we need to buy American when we can. We need to support our friends and neighbors and keep them working. By purchasing products from our nation, we are helping keep the American Dream alive.