It has changed somewhat over the years, but the essence has remained the same.

· "Go west, young man."
· "A chicken in every pot."
· "A house of one's own."
· "A college education."
· "Be your own boss."
· "Free Agent."

We call it the "American Dream," and while it has been fueled by noble notions such as freedom and equality, it has always been at heart about money.

· Getting it.
· Keeping it.
· Making more of it.
· Never having enough of it.

After all, money does bring a certain kind of freedom. Freedom to live where you like. Freedom from worrying about putting food on the table. Freedom to move from place to place.

And riches do bring influence. The ability to shape and mold your surroundings to suit your needs. Enough influential wealth brings power. Power gives the illusion of c…