Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

What is the American Dream? For many of us, it symbolizes a country that offers opportunities to succeed regardless of our birth status. That all, regardless of our demographics, are afforded the rights spelled out in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. And for generations, it came with the hope that the next generation would be better off than our generation.

The Statue of Liberty still stands as a symbol of not only the American Dream, but also the welcome of all. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” the poem on the base of the Statue proclaims, an affirmation of the American Dream by a United States poet, etched on a gift from France. A vision of what our country could be.  

On the country’s 250th anniversary I acknowledge that the country I love has not reached our highest ideals of liberty and justice for all. Some recent survey research published by Navigator Research assures me that I am not alone. Navigator Research tracks the opinions on public policy and public opinion for topics that are top of mind for those living in the United States. They set out to do a snapshot of how we describe our nation as we approach our 250th. The survey asked questions about how we view our country now, and where we see our country moving in the next 250 years. This snapshot captures a moment in time between May 27-June 1, 2026, in which we find interesting data.  

This survey included over 2059 interviews across the political spectrum (38% Democrat, 23% Independent, 38% Republican) and includes helpful demographic breakdowns of respondents. Their findings capture both the hope and disappointment that many of us are holding together. It also suggests that we are much more aligned in our values than our current political discourse might lead us to believe.

When asked to describe how they feel about “being an American,” the top words are ones that resonate with me; hopeful, proud, frustrated, and discouraged are at the top of the list (June 2026). And more than 60% of those surveyed agreed that you can still love the United States while questioning our leaders and speaking out when we get it wrong. 

The report shows that freedom is a large part of our identity, and that rights, independence, justice, and liberty are also key in our identification as a nation. Particularly interesting to me, given the current White House talking points, is that a majority of those polled value both diversity and equality. A majority of those polled (58%) believe that we are at our best as a nation when we are caring for our neighbors; 56% believe this is reflected when we take care of the vulnerable.

The report also shows the anxiety of those interviewed, as many indicate that they are worried about our future. This is especially true for younger respondents, with only 13% of Gen Z and Millennials believing the  American Dream is possible. 

Reading this data reminds me of Paul’s letters to churches. When he wrote there was no longer “Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female,” it wasn’t that the church had reached the fullness of living into the unity found in Christ. But he believed that it could be so through the power of the Spirit and the transformation of the people. There are hopes for what the church can be, and aspirations for a future not yet reached. 

Perhaps that is something to hold onto as we celebrate the nation on the 250th. Just as Paul loved the Church so much that he believed in that future promise, so those who love our nation can keep working for the fullness of those who hoped for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.  The scriptural vision Paul spells out to the Galatians remains a challenge for Christians in the United States seeking to reclaim the American Dream.

As we celebrate the 250th, we can recommit ourselves to working to be a country where all are welcomed, where all have a chance at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and a place where those rights are protected.