I find myself suddenly resentful, watching the Egyptians live their dream. Taking an amorphous goal (really only an idea of what is right and true) and achieving it through sheer strength of numbers and will. Where is the American dream?

It's not that I don't love my country, it's just that I've lost faith in it's purpose. The stated goals and intent in its founding, so different from the reality of everyday America.

"here
we learn america like a script
playwright
birthright
same thing
we bring
ourselves to the role
we're all rehearsing for the presidency
I always wanted to be
commander in chief
of my one woman army

but I can envision the mediocrity
of my finest hour
it's the failed america in me
it's the fear that lives
in a forest of stone
underneath the corporate canopy
where the sun
rarely
filters
down
and the ground
is not so soft "
~Ani Difranco

I was born into the middle class. Lived there until college and then haven't seen it since. Only now, I catch hints and glimpses with each check that rolls in. My income combining with Karen's finally getting me somewhere near my comfort zone. The constant fear is still there and the worry, but it's muted, tolerable. Why is it now that I am on the cusp of middle, that I suddenly feel so resentful? Most of me said "shhhh, you are ok now, shut up, be quiet" but a tiny voice inside says "this isn't right."

I can see how revolutions are like wildfire. The financial drought in every society's bottom layer setting the stage for ravenous consumption. Need is a hunger, watching everyone around you satisfy theirs, as you deny yours. "oh, I'm full" after 2 bites of potato, as they eat pounds and pounds of steak.

I don't want a revolution. I just want enough for everyone to have their basic needs met and an occasional treat or two. We are such a wealthy society- why isn't that possible?