Introducing Dispatches: The Changing American Dream

Patch is pleased to introduce its newest series, Dispatch: The Changing American Dream.

Debates concerning unemployment, debt, home foreclosures, religion, government and military (among others) appear in the national media every day. At Patch, we want to explore those topics at the local level so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges these trying times have brought upon us.

We don’t think there’s one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams people are striving for. Looking at nearly 900 Patch sites across the country, we see businesses wrestling with the decision to expand or not, college graduates searching for jobs that seemingly don’t exist at the present time, and families having their homes foreclosed.

At times like these, it’s increasingly important for residents to engage more with their local government and know the issues surrounding Lower Moreland. Recently, talks of new expansion in the township have locals questioning what that will do to the value of their homes. Local issues like this are at the forefront of where we, as LM neighbors, wish to engage to create a better community.

And the people who will have a voice in these issues are not big-time politicians, but the people who actually live in this community.   

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children. Locally, we know that some school systems will have its budgets cut while other districts deal with contract disputes from teachers. 

"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 Lower Moreland go to the heart of your American Dream.

We want to hear from you! If you want to blog about this topic, let us know. If you just want to share a comment, email us or add it to the comment box at the bottom of this story.