Why I believe the American Dream just died (op/ed)

[mahatmakanejeeves]

9. I agree.

From the article:

But when asked to give their top characteristics of someone who has achieved the American Dream Legg Mason survey respondents said the following (in order):

1. Feeling financially secure
2. Having the freedom to live the way you want to
3. Being able to retire at 65 and live comfortably in old age
4. Owning your own home
5. Knowing that working hard pays off

I don't feel like wading through the Legg Mason website to see if they published the survey as it was presented to their clients. My guess is that the clients were given a list of accomplishments and asked to pick out five as what someone would have to have accomplished to feel that he has achieved the American Dream. Not "when did you know you had achieved the AD," but "what would someone have to do to achieve the AD?"