Are Americans afraid to dream?

 Last night at a dinner party, friends relayed the disappointing numbers with regard to Trump and Trump-Republican support all across the country. Clearly there are people in the United States who feel that corrupt leaders who cheat, lie, spread disinformation, divide and even promote domestic terror events are the best path we can hope for. As I thought about this, I wondered if these Americans have lost their ability or courage to dream?

When we settle for less--less rights, less freedom, less honesty, less respect, less community, less safety, less opportunity, less equal rights, less supports--we settle for less than we can be, and I wonder if people are willing to settle because they are afraid to dream or don't make the time to dream. 

I admit, I'm a big dreamer. I am always dreaming of ways to make life better for myself, my family, my community, my country and my world. Over time, I have experienced the power of big dreams--I have a relatively good life, and most of that life comes from the dreams I've worked towards over time. I believe in the power that dreams hold for our lives and the life of our communities, country, and world. 

So, I propose that Americans put a little more effort into dreaming right now. I want Americans everywhere to not be so satisfied with a subpar existence, but instead to dream of a better world--a world with greater opportunity, equity, and the ability to live good lives. 

I dream a lot about this. I want a GREAT world for my children's and future grandchildren's generation. I believe that we can work towards this better world with the following actions:

• preservation of our natural lands, waterways and resources
• good laws and law abiding elected officials
• sensible gun legislation
• safer, greener communities that provide everyone with the basic needs of quality accessible public health care/education/childcare, good homes, public transportation, nutritious food, and healthy recreation
• just work conditions and wages
• fair taxation that makes everyone pay their fair share to support common structures and supports such as good roads, beautiful public spaces/buildings, quality schools/health care centers, modern day law enforcement, fire fighters and other public service roles
• value for honest speak and information share
• holding lawbreakers accountable with just consequences that undo the damage and provide paths to betterment for those that break the law
• life enriching innovation/invention
• positive international relations that help us work with countries around the world to solve the problems we share such as errant governments, tyrannical/deadly/oppressive/violent leaders, immigration/migration issues, climate change problems, pollution and more 

I also dream about ways to better my own life for today and into the future, dreams that include greater healthy habits, a loving home, family get togethers, quality education/health care for me and my family and support for healthy recreation activities and places. 

Are Americans afraid to dream? Have we become too complacent and accepting of less honesty, lawfulness, and good living now and into the future? Are we afraid to vote for leaders who do dream and work for better in favor of those who may negatively impact us with their propaganda, lawlessness and self-serving ways? 

As a country and world, I think we can do much better. I believe we have to rid leadership of the lying self-servers who manipulate, abuse and use us for their own gain, and instead vote for the dreamers who are willing to work with us and others to make our country and world a better place today and into the future. 

We can do that.

Dare to dream.

Support those who will work for the better you, the better community, the better country and better world. There is limitless opportunity to move in that direction, yet our inability to dream and support dreamers will hinder our efforts to go there. We can do better--we must do better. Dream!