Dispatches: The Changing 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.

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

Nationally, we know that school districts are to arts, sports and extracurricular activities in an attempt to balance the budget. Locally, we know that the Southern Lehigh School District has a to help shore up the school deficit.  We also know that the surplus. We know that the solution won't come from a national politician but from our and the citizens who elected its members.

We also know that there's a huge national debate about slow job creation and growth. We're seeing the ripple effect on the , as well as at the Promenade Shops. Locally, we're seeing the innovation of individuals creating their jobs and reformulating their lives. We are seeing an increase in continuing education options at our local colleges -- and Penn State-Lehigh Valley -- as well as an increase in

"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 Upper Saucon, Lower Milford and Coopersburg go to the heart of your American Dream.