Nov. 19, 2025 7 AM PT
To the editor: Unemployment is a significant barrier to the American Dream of financial safety and residential possession (“Half a million young Californians aren’t in school or working. Most are men,” Nov. 9). Stagnant wages relative to growing prices of dwelling and restrictive prices of residential realty are further obstacles. In keeping with the National Assn. of Realtors, the median age of first-time homebuyers was 29 in 1981 and has since risen to 40.
These three obstacles are worsening, rendering the American Dream unattainable for a lot of. So it isn’t shocking that recent polls present a pattern amongst younger Individuals favoring socialism. That pattern reveals an inseparable relationship between the American Dream and American capitalism, based mostly on personal enterprise, unrestricted provide and demand and authorities intervention for public welfare and geopolitical concerns.
When right this moment’s younger Individuals turn out to be a extra important share of voters, they may threaten the sustainability of American capitalism. After the Trump presidency, policymakers ought to handle that rising menace.
The subsequent U.S. president may set up an advert hoc fee charged with recommending initiatives to revitalize the American Dream and maintain American capitalism. For stability and credibility, the fee membership ought to be broad, together with management of firms within the main market segments, along with management of nationwide associations of small enterprise house owners, organized labor, actual property brokers and educators. It may additionally embody bankers, financial students, constitutional regulation consultants and any others wanted for well-founded judgments.
The one important requirement of each fee member ought to be unwavering dedication to sustaining American capitalism.
Mel Spitz, Beverly Hills
