Dream On, a New Film with Political Comedian John Fugelsang, About The Perilous State of the American Dream Will Be Shown

– Press Release 1/21/16 – EDISON – From Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump, the 2016 presidential candidates share one thing in common: a conviction that they can revitalize the American Dream. Pinned between stagnant wages and the soaring costs of housing, education and healthcare, millions of Americans are struggling to make ends meet.

To address these urgent issues before the critical election next year, the Edison YMCA will host a preview screening of DREAM ON before it airs on PBS, followed by a panel discussion with NJ State Senator Joe Vitale, to raise awareness of civic responsibility and possible solutions to those who are challenged to obtain the American Dream.

Event takes place on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Edison YMCA, 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820.

DREAM ON features political comedian John Fugelsang as he retraces the journey of Alexis de Tocqueville, whose study of our young country in 1831 came to define America as a place where anyone could climb the ladder of economic opportunity. Following in the Frenchman’s footsteps, Fugelsang speaks with fast-food workers and retirees, prisoners and entrepreneurs, undocumented immigrants and community organizers about their hopes, dreams, and daily struggles. DREAM ON explores whether the optimistic spirit of the American Dream that Tocqueville observed is alive and well in the twenty-first century, or whether George Carlin was right when he famously quipped, “It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.”

In recent years the venerable American Dream has become an empty promise for increasing numbers of Americans. Millions of middle class Americans are now unable to maintain the standard of living that they took for granted growing up, and more low-income families are unable to lift themselves out of poverty. As countless Americans struggle with diminished prospects for the future, our core beliefs about the value of work, the inevitability of progress, the fairness of the system, and America’s standing in the world are being shaken. Reviving the American Dream has now become one of the most critical challenges facing our nation.

For details on this event and to register seating is limited please visit the event website: http://tinyurl.com/ymcadreamon5-12

There will also be voter registration materials available at this event. Registering before May 17 will permit you to vote in the June 7, 2016  NJ Primary Election.