The idea of the American dream used to be to just be able to have a good middle class life. Now people think it is to become rich beyond all reason. So we've gone from realistic dreams to unrealistic fantasies.

Add to that the fact that since the 1980's and starting with Regan, the system has gradually become more and mroe rigged so that even living happily in the middle class is becoming unrealistic. Since the 1980's for 90% of Americans wages have flat lined.

It is likely too late to turn things back around and America is probably circling the drain, as it loses its place leading in innovation, education, economics and world influence. It coudl be turned around,k but I'd put the chances of that happening at less than 2%.

At this point all we can do is try to slow down the decline and perhaps stop us from falling too far.

I can't say that it was/is a lie, but it certainly was/is propaganda. IMHO

Yes it was always a lie & things will be bad for at least as long as we live.