What are the crucial building blocks of opportunity and social equality?

Anne suggested we do a meeting on what I would call the building blocks of the American Dream - and whether they are still within reach and for whom.

Such a list might include our basic political freedoms such as appear in the Bill of Rights. Sometimes called "negative liberties because they concern what the govt cannot do to you, these include freedom of speech, the press, and religious belief and conscience. Also, freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, the right to bear arms (which SCOTUS declared to be an individual right in 2008), and others.

Other building blocks of a decent life in the 21st century might include "positive rights." Or, opportunities, if you prefer, since there is a big difference between rights and opportunities! Do the building blocks of opportunity in America include a right/access to a good education, affordable and decent health care, and/or a clean and sustainable natural environment? You could add a right/opportunity to affordable housing (not to own a house), or the right to vote and/or not to have our political system dominated by private big money.

This topic as worded allows us to debate the building blocks of social equality, as well. This could refer to either legal or cultural equality and the means to enforce one or the other or both. Based on recent mtgs, I'm sure this part of the discussion will be relaxing and fun for the whole family. But maybe we could explore agreement on some basic guiding principles, if nothing else.

Closer to our mtg date look back here for some optional background readings that will discuss what opportunities Americans do and should have to use their talents and abilities to the fullest. And, of course, what, if anything, should be done to ensure that the American Dream endures?

Optional Backgrounders –

· TBA.