The American dream appeared to exist… Recession was a vital part of capitalism, and wealth transfers occurred throughout the 20th century (notably during the great depression). BUT the game has now changed. In 2007 people throughout the western world bailed out ‘the rich’ from huge losses. The poor now pay a huge amount of tax in the UK and USA so that rich people could stay rich. Capitalism is dead. The American dream is dead. P.D.