What is the American Dream?

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "DisPatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities.

At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams which a multitude of people are working toward.

Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills.

We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Westchase neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about which government-building efforts are "shovel-ready." Locally, we know that the county is grappling with how to pay for projects as well, including the that's recently been put on hold indefinitely. Yet it's something we as Westchase residents say is sorely needed.

Nationally, there's a debate about how to balance the budget. Locally, we see trying to come up with creative ways to keep customers satisfied and coming back for more, while juggling higher prices for supplies and taxes.

"DisPatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Westchase go to the heart of your American Dream.

To tell your story feel free to e-mail me at: nicole.hutcheson@patch.com or call: 813-390-4907.