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American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone
In 1956, Marco Rubio’s parents came to America as poor immigrants with grade-school educations. They found a land of opportunity where anyone could work hard, play by the rules, and build a better future for themselves and their children. His family proved the reality of the American Dream, where the children of maids and bartenders could become doctors, lawyers, small business owners, and maybe even a U.S. senator.
But now the American Dream is on life support. Years of government-centered, tax-and-spend liberalism have failed to lift the poor or sustain the middle class. Millions of everyday Americans have been left behind by an economy that doesn’t value their skills and a government that would rather give them a handout than a hand up.
In this follow-up to his bestselling memoir, An American Son , Senator Rubio offers a road map for restoring the land of opportunity. He explains why we now stand at a critical junction and why the next few years will determine the future for our children and grandchildren. He shares his plan for scaling back the nanny state, helping families save for college and retirement, and making it easier for small businesses to create millions of good jobs. Above all, he urges us to return to the values and can-do spirit that made our country exceptional in the first place.
But now the American Dream is on life support. Years of government-centered, tax-and-spend liberalism have failed to lift the poor or sustain the middle class. Millions of everyday Americans have been left behind by an economy that doesn’t value their skills and a government that would rather give them a handout than a hand up.
In this follow-up to his bestselling memoir, An American Son , Senator Rubio offers a road map for restoring the land of opportunity. He explains why we now stand at a critical junction and why the next few years will determine the future for our children and grandchildren. He shares his plan for scaling back the nanny state, helping families save for college and retirement, and making it easier for small businesses to create millions of good jobs. Above all, he urges us to return to the values and can-do spirit that made our country exceptional in the first place.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 13, 2015
25 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Marco Rubio
16 books39 followersUnited States Republican Senator from Florida, serving since January 2011.
A Cuban American native of Miami, Florida, Rubio is a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. In the late 1990s, he served as a City Commissioner for West Miami and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, representing the 111th House district. He was elected Speaker in November 2006.
A Cuban American native of Miami, Florida, Rubio is a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. In the late 1990s, he served as a City Commissioner for West Miami and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, representing the 111th House district. He was elected Speaker in November 2006.
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November 20, 2015
I thought I could listen to this because I like Marco but when he said if you raise minimum wage it will make people lose jobs and people won't spend money. I always thought if you gave more money to people they would spend more. People deserve a higher minimum wage.
December 18, 2017
American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone by Marco Rubio
“American Dreams" is an insightful look at Marco Rubio’s economic plan for America. Senator Rubio provides readers with an easy-to-follow blueprint of his plans. Find out what this secular-progressive reviewer likes and dislikes about his ideas. This worthwhile 256-page book includes the following seven chapters: 1. The American Dream Downsized, 2. Making America Safer for Uber, 3. Equal Opportunity, Equal Dignity, Equal Work, 4. Making College a Good Investment Again, 5. Economic Security In An Insecure Time, 6. Retirement In Your Own Time, On Your Own Terms, and 7. Values---And The Families That Teach Them.
Positives:
1. A well-written, well-thought out book.
2. Interesting look at Rubio’s economic plan to restore America. “Through the stories of an ambitious small-business man, a struggling single mother, an out-of-work and in-debt college graduate, among others, I focus on the three central elements to the achievement of the American Dream: equal opportunity, economic security and family.”
3. This is a much more substantive book than most of the candidates that I’ve read. It’s not a matter of whether I agree with him or not (and I disagree quite a bit) it’s a matter of laying out his ideas for all to see.
4. A plea for new leadership. “America needs leaders who understand the new world we live in and who will promote and implement new ideas for a new era. We can’t solve our twenty-first-century challenges by simply investing more into twentieth-century solutions. And yet this is precisely what those who would succeed President Obama show every intention of doing.”
5. A pardon the pun, “liberal” use of facts to illustrate points.
6. Makes good economic points. “The reason big government fails now more than ever is that it makes it harder for us to win this competition. If we want to restore the American Dream, we need tax policies, regulatory policies and spending policies that make America the best place in the world to invest, and the easiest place in the world to create new businesses and new jobs through innovation.”
7. The need to improve education. “…we need to transform our education system to meet the employment needs of this new, innovation-driven economy.”
8. Rubio’s keys to the American Dream. “These are the two things—getting an education and avoiding having children until marriage—that are increasingly key to achieving the American Dream.”
9. Uses Uber as an excellent example of how lobbyists co-opt big government which results in higher prices and fewer choices.
10. In support of free-enterprise. “Fostering a strong and growing free-enterprise economy in the twenty-first century means meeting four fundamental challenges: making America the best place in the world to invest and create jobs, keeping America the global leader in innovation, ensuring access to markets and consumers for American products, and winning the global competition for the most talented and innovative people.”
11. The issue of corporate rates. “Combining federal and state taxes, our corporate rate is nearly 40 percent. The global average is under 25 percent.”
12. Discusses some plans in detail. “One of the best ways I know to ease this burden on the American people—not to mention cut down on the crony capitalist habit of using regulations to stifle competition—is to establish a National Regulatory Budget. This would be an absolute dollar limit on what federal regulations could cost the economy in any given year.”
13. “Free from government interference, the Internet has been hailed as the greatest ‘deregulatory’ success of all time.” Agreed.
14. The need to modernize our immigration system. “The only way we are going to be able to break this impasse and make progress on this issue is in a sequential and piecemeal way, with a series of bills that build upon one another until ultimately we have put in place the kind of immigration system our nation needs.”
15. The keys to reducing poverty. “A similarly well-intentioned desire to help the poor must now make work pay again. This can be accomplished through two significant but achievable changes in policy. First, give the states real freedom to create innovative programs to encourage work among the poor. Second, improve the current federal wage subsidy to keep them working.”
16. Interesting chapter on higher-education issues. “American higher education today is an entrenched monopoly protected by government policy. Think Ma Bell before the breakup. Like all protected monopolies, colleges and universities set their own prices and are resistant to innovation and change. They use the power of government to keep competitors out and protect their monopoly power.” “In short, the accreditation agencies control the market for higher education.”
17. The push for tax reform. “Our tax code is too complicated, punishes productivity and is full of loopholes and carve-outs created by special interests. A simpler tax code with lower tax rates would do more than just about anything else to create jobs and unleash America’s potential.”
18. A look at retirement. “Today, each of the three legs of our traditional retirement stool—personal savings, pensions and Social Security—is wobbling.” Presents some good ideas here.
19. Clearly illustrates why there is a strong link between single parenting and poverty. “Elizabeth Sawhill of the left-leaning Brookings Institution reports that of the children born to low-income women, the children born to never married mothers are three times more likely to stay poor than children born to continuously married mothers.”
20. Notes included.
Negatives:
1. The best nonfictional books are the ones that consider the strongest arguments against their positions and refute them. This is not one of those books. Rubio presents his positions (in his defense some resonate) but says very little about the strengths of the opposition.
2. Misrepresentations, strawmen arguments. “Perhaps the most famous articulation of this view came in the summer before the 2012 election, when President Obama told a campaign audience in Virginia, “If you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that.” In this case, he didn’t explain the whole picture. President Obama meant you didn’t build that by yourself, we need support and many people to build businesses.
3. “After decades of growing incomes for the middle class, the years between 2000 and 2011 were what the Pew Research Center calls a “lost decade.” Policies in large part by President G.W. Bush.
4. “The success of the wealthy, they told us, accounts for the lack of good jobs, the stagnant wages and the growing cost of living for everyone else.” Once again, misrepresenting the opposition. It’s the abuse of the wealthy: golden parachutes, endless lobbying, corporate welfare, abuse of loopholes, to name a few.
5. “But if there’s one thing we learned from the Obama administration’s failed taxpayer subsidies of companies like Solyndra, it’s that the government is a lousy venture capitalist.” Actually, Obama’s success ratio is higher than your average venture capitalist.
6. “The abject failure of the Affordable Care Act—visible to all but the administration’s most ardent true believers—has tempted some of my colleagues to sit back and allow the law to collapse of its own weight, bringing its supporters down with it.” Abject failure? It provides health insurance to millions who didn’t have it before and it allows countless others to keep their children on until they reach 26, not to mention covers pre-existing conditions. Rubio does make some good points but wouldn’t it be best to modify the existing system by keeping those features that work while eliminating those features that didn’t (like bailouts for the big insurance companies).
7. “Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal likes to say that the American Dream begins with education.” Is this the same Bobby Jindal that doesn’t accept evolution as the best scientific explanation for how life evolved over time? No, thank you.
8. “I have an additional responsibility, though: the responsibility that belongs to all who are elected to serve. My responsibility—to the American people, to my parents, to myself—is to save these programs. But many of my colleagues in Washington—especially big-government liberals—don’t seem to feel the same way.” Yet another misrepresentation. You may not agree with the left on how to preserve popular government programs but to say that they don’t feel the same way is incorrect.
9. “It is to deny the powerful pull of a culture that regards unwed childbearing as nothing more or less than a lifestyle choice—and vilifies those who would criticize it as perpetrators of a ‘war on women.’” Terrible policies like defunding organizations like Planned Parenthood will only lead to more unwanted babies. It’s time we respect women’s reproductive rights and provide them tools that would actually help them prevent this cycle of poverty that Rubio alludes to.
10. “In our contemporary discussions on marriage, we must also acknowledge the national debate regarding the very definition of marriage. On this point, I—along with millions of my fellow Americans—firmly believe that marriage is a unique societal institution so important to the formation of strong and successful people that we have traditionally defined it and enshrined it in our laws as the union of one man and one woman.” How could you be pro-family while denying same-sex couples the same dignity of marriage?
11. Nothing on climate change.
12. No charts, diagrams or any type of visual supplements to complement the narrative.
In summary, despite my differences with Senator Rubio there is a lot to like here. It’s a fairly easy and practical book to read. It clearly illustrates his views on how to improve the economy and discusses specific plans and pieces of legislation that he has worked on. Some of his ideas come across as being sound to me. On the other hand, I have much disagreement to. There is also a tendency of the Senator to raise strawmen arguments from the opposition to make his points look better. This is a worthwhile book, do so and make your own call.
Further right-wing suggestions that will help you get acquainted with their views: “Unintimidated” by Scott Walker, “A Time For Truth” by Ted Cruz, “Time to get Tough” by Donald J. Trump, “Rising to the Challenge” by Carly Fiorina, “Taking a Stand” by Rand Paul, “What I Believe” and “One Nation” by Ben Carson, “Immigration Wars” by Jeb Bush, “God, Guns, Grits, and Gravy” by Mike Huckabee, “Fed Up!” by Rick Perry, “Blue Collar Conservatives” by Rick Santorum, and “Our Lost Constitution” by Mike Lee.
“American Dreams" is an insightful look at Marco Rubio’s economic plan for America. Senator Rubio provides readers with an easy-to-follow blueprint of his plans. Find out what this secular-progressive reviewer likes and dislikes about his ideas. This worthwhile 256-page book includes the following seven chapters: 1. The American Dream Downsized, 2. Making America Safer for Uber, 3. Equal Opportunity, Equal Dignity, Equal Work, 4. Making College a Good Investment Again, 5. Economic Security In An Insecure Time, 6. Retirement In Your Own Time, On Your Own Terms, and 7. Values---And The Families That Teach Them.
Positives:
1. A well-written, well-thought out book.
2. Interesting look at Rubio’s economic plan to restore America. “Through the stories of an ambitious small-business man, a struggling single mother, an out-of-work and in-debt college graduate, among others, I focus on the three central elements to the achievement of the American Dream: equal opportunity, economic security and family.”
3. This is a much more substantive book than most of the candidates that I’ve read. It’s not a matter of whether I agree with him or not (and I disagree quite a bit) it’s a matter of laying out his ideas for all to see.
4. A plea for new leadership. “America needs leaders who understand the new world we live in and who will promote and implement new ideas for a new era. We can’t solve our twenty-first-century challenges by simply investing more into twentieth-century solutions. And yet this is precisely what those who would succeed President Obama show every intention of doing.”
5. A pardon the pun, “liberal” use of facts to illustrate points.
6. Makes good economic points. “The reason big government fails now more than ever is that it makes it harder for us to win this competition. If we want to restore the American Dream, we need tax policies, regulatory policies and spending policies that make America the best place in the world to invest, and the easiest place in the world to create new businesses and new jobs through innovation.”
7. The need to improve education. “…we need to transform our education system to meet the employment needs of this new, innovation-driven economy.”
8. Rubio’s keys to the American Dream. “These are the two things—getting an education and avoiding having children until marriage—that are increasingly key to achieving the American Dream.”
9. Uses Uber as an excellent example of how lobbyists co-opt big government which results in higher prices and fewer choices.
10. In support of free-enterprise. “Fostering a strong and growing free-enterprise economy in the twenty-first century means meeting four fundamental challenges: making America the best place in the world to invest and create jobs, keeping America the global leader in innovation, ensuring access to markets and consumers for American products, and winning the global competition for the most talented and innovative people.”
11. The issue of corporate rates. “Combining federal and state taxes, our corporate rate is nearly 40 percent. The global average is under 25 percent.”
12. Discusses some plans in detail. “One of the best ways I know to ease this burden on the American people—not to mention cut down on the crony capitalist habit of using regulations to stifle competition—is to establish a National Regulatory Budget. This would be an absolute dollar limit on what federal regulations could cost the economy in any given year.”
13. “Free from government interference, the Internet has been hailed as the greatest ‘deregulatory’ success of all time.” Agreed.
14. The need to modernize our immigration system. “The only way we are going to be able to break this impasse and make progress on this issue is in a sequential and piecemeal way, with a series of bills that build upon one another until ultimately we have put in place the kind of immigration system our nation needs.”
15. The keys to reducing poverty. “A similarly well-intentioned desire to help the poor must now make work pay again. This can be accomplished through two significant but achievable changes in policy. First, give the states real freedom to create innovative programs to encourage work among the poor. Second, improve the current federal wage subsidy to keep them working.”
16. Interesting chapter on higher-education issues. “American higher education today is an entrenched monopoly protected by government policy. Think Ma Bell before the breakup. Like all protected monopolies, colleges and universities set their own prices and are resistant to innovation and change. They use the power of government to keep competitors out and protect their monopoly power.” “In short, the accreditation agencies control the market for higher education.”
17. The push for tax reform. “Our tax code is too complicated, punishes productivity and is full of loopholes and carve-outs created by special interests. A simpler tax code with lower tax rates would do more than just about anything else to create jobs and unleash America’s potential.”
18. A look at retirement. “Today, each of the three legs of our traditional retirement stool—personal savings, pensions and Social Security—is wobbling.” Presents some good ideas here.
19. Clearly illustrates why there is a strong link between single parenting and poverty. “Elizabeth Sawhill of the left-leaning Brookings Institution reports that of the children born to low-income women, the children born to never married mothers are three times more likely to stay poor than children born to continuously married mothers.”
20. Notes included.
Negatives:
1. The best nonfictional books are the ones that consider the strongest arguments against their positions and refute them. This is not one of those books. Rubio presents his positions (in his defense some resonate) but says very little about the strengths of the opposition.
2. Misrepresentations, strawmen arguments. “Perhaps the most famous articulation of this view came in the summer before the 2012 election, when President Obama told a campaign audience in Virginia, “If you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that.” In this case, he didn’t explain the whole picture. President Obama meant you didn’t build that by yourself, we need support and many people to build businesses.
3. “After decades of growing incomes for the middle class, the years between 2000 and 2011 were what the Pew Research Center calls a “lost decade.” Policies in large part by President G.W. Bush.
4. “The success of the wealthy, they told us, accounts for the lack of good jobs, the stagnant wages and the growing cost of living for everyone else.” Once again, misrepresenting the opposition. It’s the abuse of the wealthy: golden parachutes, endless lobbying, corporate welfare, abuse of loopholes, to name a few.
5. “But if there’s one thing we learned from the Obama administration’s failed taxpayer subsidies of companies like Solyndra, it’s that the government is a lousy venture capitalist.” Actually, Obama’s success ratio is higher than your average venture capitalist.
6. “The abject failure of the Affordable Care Act—visible to all but the administration’s most ardent true believers—has tempted some of my colleagues to sit back and allow the law to collapse of its own weight, bringing its supporters down with it.” Abject failure? It provides health insurance to millions who didn’t have it before and it allows countless others to keep their children on until they reach 26, not to mention covers pre-existing conditions. Rubio does make some good points but wouldn’t it be best to modify the existing system by keeping those features that work while eliminating those features that didn’t (like bailouts for the big insurance companies).
7. “Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal likes to say that the American Dream begins with education.” Is this the same Bobby Jindal that doesn’t accept evolution as the best scientific explanation for how life evolved over time? No, thank you.
8. “I have an additional responsibility, though: the responsibility that belongs to all who are elected to serve. My responsibility—to the American people, to my parents, to myself—is to save these programs. But many of my colleagues in Washington—especially big-government liberals—don’t seem to feel the same way.” Yet another misrepresentation. You may not agree with the left on how to preserve popular government programs but to say that they don’t feel the same way is incorrect.
9. “It is to deny the powerful pull of a culture that regards unwed childbearing as nothing more or less than a lifestyle choice—and vilifies those who would criticize it as perpetrators of a ‘war on women.’” Terrible policies like defunding organizations like Planned Parenthood will only lead to more unwanted babies. It’s time we respect women’s reproductive rights and provide them tools that would actually help them prevent this cycle of poverty that Rubio alludes to.
10. “In our contemporary discussions on marriage, we must also acknowledge the national debate regarding the very definition of marriage. On this point, I—along with millions of my fellow Americans—firmly believe that marriage is a unique societal institution so important to the formation of strong and successful people that we have traditionally defined it and enshrined it in our laws as the union of one man and one woman.” How could you be pro-family while denying same-sex couples the same dignity of marriage?
11. Nothing on climate change.
12. No charts, diagrams or any type of visual supplements to complement the narrative.
In summary, despite my differences with Senator Rubio there is a lot to like here. It’s a fairly easy and practical book to read. It clearly illustrates his views on how to improve the economy and discusses specific plans and pieces of legislation that he has worked on. Some of his ideas come across as being sound to me. On the other hand, I have much disagreement to. There is also a tendency of the Senator to raise strawmen arguments from the opposition to make his points look better. This is a worthwhile book, do so and make your own call.
Further right-wing suggestions that will help you get acquainted with their views: “Unintimidated” by Scott Walker, “A Time For Truth” by Ted Cruz, “Time to get Tough” by Donald J. Trump, “Rising to the Challenge” by Carly Fiorina, “Taking a Stand” by Rand Paul, “What I Believe” and “One Nation” by Ben Carson, “Immigration Wars” by Jeb Bush, “God, Guns, Grits, and Gravy” by Mike Huckabee, “Fed Up!” by Rick Perry, “Blue Collar Conservatives” by Rick Santorum, and “Our Lost Constitution” by Mike Lee.
February 20, 2021
"The American Dream is about opportunity, not entitlement," the message that resonates throughout Marco Rubio's book, should be heeded by all voters in the upcoming election.
While I have always voted, I've never been particularly interested in "politics"...until now. I have been sooo disillusioned with the current administration & the divisiveness it has caused. So I have been watching the debates & listening to what the candidates (both Republican & Democrat) have to offer.
I'm very impressed with Marco Rubio, how he keeps his cool but is still very passionate about our country, offering sensible policies & direction to a nation that has been floundering in the past several years due to over-regulated "big government."
While this book is mainly about restoring the economy & offers sage advice as to how to pull the nation out of its doldrums, Rubio also touches on the significance of global strategy/foreign policy. The importance of family values & the impact they have is another point that Rubio dwells on, & rightly so, as it truly is the core of a stable environment. The fresh ideas this young man brings to the table, come at a time when we could use someone who truly loves America & is dedicated to making our nation great again.
(Note: As I write this review 2/2/16, the results of the Iowa Caucus have just been announced with Rubio coming in a respectable third, in a very close race. I highly recommend any undecided voters, or those with an open mind, read this book.
2/20/21 Another reread. Interestingly enough, I still agree with most of Rubio's policy ideas.
(Note: Deeply saddened by the outcome of the recent 2020 Presidential election, I ran across this book and review I wrote five years ago. While Rubio has made some mistakes, he is truly a patriot and I trust him to help guide Florida, and the US, through the next four difficult years.)
While I have always voted, I've never been particularly interested in "politics"...until now. I have been sooo disillusioned with the current administration & the divisiveness it has caused. So I have been watching the debates & listening to what the candidates (both Republican & Democrat) have to offer.
I'm very impressed with Marco Rubio, how he keeps his cool but is still very passionate about our country, offering sensible policies & direction to a nation that has been floundering in the past several years due to over-regulated "big government."
While this book is mainly about restoring the economy & offers sage advice as to how to pull the nation out of its doldrums, Rubio also touches on the significance of global strategy/foreign policy. The importance of family values & the impact they have is another point that Rubio dwells on, & rightly so, as it truly is the core of a stable environment. The fresh ideas this young man brings to the table, come at a time when we could use someone who truly loves America & is dedicated to making our nation great again.
(Note: As I write this review 2/2/16, the results of the Iowa Caucus have just been announced with Rubio coming in a respectable third, in a very close race. I highly recommend any undecided voters, or those with an open mind, read this book.
2/20/21 Another reread. Interestingly enough, I still agree with most of Rubio's policy ideas.
(Note: Deeply saddened by the outcome of the recent 2020 Presidential election, I ran across this book and review I wrote five years ago. While Rubio has made some mistakes, he is truly a patriot and I trust him to help guide Florida, and the US, through the next four difficult years.)
April 24, 2018
Oops! I didn’t mean to read a political book. Some of his views I agree with but mostly, I hate politics. His solutions are interesting.
May 4, 2015
Interspersed in his derision of the "current administration" (read: president), liberals in general, or anyone who does not align ideologically with him are some actually valuable economic policy ideas. It's just so difficult to get to them because of all of the filler derision all over the place. There's preaching to the converted, preaching to the choir, and then there's this—which was like preaching to himself. He invokes the name Obama like it's a pejorative. It isn't. It's the name of the President. You can disagree with decisions he's made, but simply adding his name to something does not automatically make whatever you're talking about a bad thing. It was the literary equivalent to saying, "thanks, Obama".
I am amazed that we can read the same information and come to such vastly different conclusions about the same data. But I guess that's why I read the book. I wanted to see his ideas. Specifically, his ideas about economy and how to change/improve it. I agree with a lot of his ideas. I may disagree with the reasons or results, but the ideas are sound and I would like to see some of them taken seriously and implemented in some way or another.
Lastly, as is common with these kinds of political books, he has the "human touch" element. The story of some "real" person included to manipulate the reader into empathizing with someone. Mostly I could accept these completely unverifiable stories as being true, and I suspect that they were because if you read into some of them, there are so many flaws in the characters, it would be a shame to make them up. (I'm thinking of the woman who bemoans the state of social security when both she and her husband retired early, lost a large portion of their retirement in the stock market after the husband retired, and declined obamacare to help with sudden medical costs, getting themselves into massive debt—in fact, the only part of the story that wasn't directly in their control was the wife getting fired—twice.) Specifically, however, the story of India. This was possibly the most insulting story he could have chosen. Not only did it not really make the point that he wanted to make—strong families are a source of strength and stability and single-parent families are a source of weakness and less likely to succeed (she came from a home where the father was only partially present and the mother was alcoholic), but it was literally a white savior narrative. Yes, the poor black girl in the ghetto was lifted out of this dire situation by a nice red-haired, blue-eyed white lady who encouraged her and taught her that she could own a house! Yes, it may have actually happened, but did you really actually have to find one of the most tired and insulting tropes to illustrate your point?
All in all, it was about what I expected: I expected to agree with many of his economic points. I generally like a lot of conservative fiscal concepts. I expected to disagree with his conclusions. I generally dislike conservative social policy. The worst part, however, were the ideological assumptions. They were really off-putting and made me have to take a long time reading in order to accept what he was saying as having value. I know that tone-policing is a horrible thing, but if you're going to make an argument that something is bad, have something other to say about it than, "Obama's failed policy…"
I am amazed that we can read the same information and come to such vastly different conclusions about the same data. But I guess that's why I read the book. I wanted to see his ideas. Specifically, his ideas about economy and how to change/improve it. I agree with a lot of his ideas. I may disagree with the reasons or results, but the ideas are sound and I would like to see some of them taken seriously and implemented in some way or another.
Lastly, as is common with these kinds of political books, he has the "human touch" element. The story of some "real" person included to manipulate the reader into empathizing with someone. Mostly I could accept these completely unverifiable stories as being true, and I suspect that they were because if you read into some of them, there are so many flaws in the characters, it would be a shame to make them up. (I'm thinking of the woman who bemoans the state of social security when both she and her husband retired early, lost a large portion of their retirement in the stock market after the husband retired, and declined obamacare to help with sudden medical costs, getting themselves into massive debt—in fact, the only part of the story that wasn't directly in their control was the wife getting fired—twice.) Specifically, however, the story of India. This was possibly the most insulting story he could have chosen. Not only did it not really make the point that he wanted to make—strong families are a source of strength and stability and single-parent families are a source of weakness and less likely to succeed (she came from a home where the father was only partially present and the mother was alcoholic), but it was literally a white savior narrative. Yes, the poor black girl in the ghetto was lifted out of this dire situation by a nice red-haired, blue-eyed white lady who encouraged her and taught her that she could own a house! Yes, it may have actually happened, but did you really actually have to find one of the most tired and insulting tropes to illustrate your point?
All in all, it was about what I expected: I expected to agree with many of his economic points. I generally like a lot of conservative fiscal concepts. I expected to disagree with his conclusions. I generally dislike conservative social policy. The worst part, however, were the ideological assumptions. They were really off-putting and made me have to take a long time reading in order to accept what he was saying as having value. I know that tone-policing is a horrible thing, but if you're going to make an argument that something is bad, have something other to say about it than, "Obama's failed policy…"
October 13, 2015
It was nice to be able to read about a politician's points of view in more than a television soundbite. I can't say I agree with all of his views, but I thought it was worth reading about his economic goals.
August 7, 2015
I almost would have given him three stars until the marriage chapter.
October 2, 2024
American Dreams presents Marco Rubio’s vision for restoring economic opportunity and upward mobility in the United States. With a focus on the middle class and those struggling to achieve the American Dream, Rubio outlines various policy proposals aimed at addressing economic inequality, education reform, tax policies, and job creation. The book is both a reflection of Rubio’s own experiences as the son of immigrants and a call to action for creating a more inclusive and prosperous America.
Rubio writes with clarity and purpose, offering practical solutions to some of the country’s biggest challenges. He emphasizes the importance of free enterprise, innovation, and government reform in creating opportunities for all Americans, especially in a rapidly changing global economy. While the book is primarily policy-focused, it also includes personal anecdotes that connect his proposals to real-life experiences, making the content more relatable.
However, some readers may find the book more of a political platform than a detailed analysis of the complexities behind each issue. While Rubio offers strong arguments for his proposals, the book could benefit from deeper exploration and critique of opposing views. Nevertheless, American Dreams is an inspiring and accessible blueprint for those interested in economic opportunity and public policy, particularly from a conservative perspective.
Rubio writes with clarity and purpose, offering practical solutions to some of the country’s biggest challenges. He emphasizes the importance of free enterprise, innovation, and government reform in creating opportunities for all Americans, especially in a rapidly changing global economy. While the book is primarily policy-focused, it also includes personal anecdotes that connect his proposals to real-life experiences, making the content more relatable.
However, some readers may find the book more of a political platform than a detailed analysis of the complexities behind each issue. While Rubio offers strong arguments for his proposals, the book could benefit from deeper exploration and critique of opposing views. Nevertheless, American Dreams is an inspiring and accessible blueprint for those interested in economic opportunity and public policy, particularly from a conservative perspective.
November 17, 2024
If I were American I wouldn’t be sensible to his mostly insensible political program. But I am not and I don’t care. Nevertheless, as a foreigner that do not vote in US elections yet impacted by it, I wonder if the guy is yet one more religious freak with too much power?.
I am rightfully concerned when such politicians talk nonsense of America been exceptional or a city shining in a hill while the truth is America is a nations built upon genocide of the natives then the exploitation of the enslaved Africans.
In any case no such concentration of power is to be tolerated. It leads invariably to abuse.
The book was written in 2014 as part of failed presidential campaign later won by Donald Trump. The book advocates reforms presented as conservative to address the issues of health care, college education, retirement, immigration, and the promotion of marriage institution.
On foreign policy, Marco advocates for an active engagement with the world with the aim of keeping the US dominance. America he argues must stifle any competition to its overwhelming power yet alone a challenge to its superiority. America must pursue a peace through strength strategy (interpretation force others into submission through force and sanctions). Even the defense of liberties are a mere tool to ensure open markets for US goods and hegemony.
I am rightfully concerned when such politicians talk nonsense of America been exceptional or a city shining in a hill while the truth is America is a nations built upon genocide of the natives then the exploitation of the enslaved Africans.
In any case no such concentration of power is to be tolerated. It leads invariably to abuse.
The book was written in 2014 as part of failed presidential campaign later won by Donald Trump. The book advocates reforms presented as conservative to address the issues of health care, college education, retirement, immigration, and the promotion of marriage institution.
On foreign policy, Marco advocates for an active engagement with the world with the aim of keeping the US dominance. America he argues must stifle any competition to its overwhelming power yet alone a challenge to its superiority. America must pursue a peace through strength strategy (interpretation force others into submission through force and sanctions). Even the defense of liberties are a mere tool to ensure open markets for US goods and hegemony.
December 11, 2018
Rubio is smart, even wonk-ish. When he digs deep he finds some interesting things. But sometimes he just likes to trudge along on the surface, 'innovation and growth' getting a look-in during most chapters. Innovation and growth isn't an answer, it's a catchphrase. Growth of almost 4% has not done much for the average schlub or schlubette. Rubio is a guy who needs to be braver. He's got good sense, and good instinct, but seems to shy away from them. He seems to fret too much politically. I wince sometimes. I don't know why he stalls at first hurdle so often. Just get out there and speak freely, Marco. You are better when you aren't worried about who is coming at you.
September 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. His parents were humble people. His dad was a bartender and his mother was a maid. They are normal people trying to make a living like everyone else. They struggled as others do but yet they managed to help Marco thru college. Marco's dream is to get the economy in a healthy state, to help people go to college so they can be ready for the jobs of the 21st century thereby building a better life for their children. His visions are grand for the future but it will take a lot of dedication as well as a lot of work.
September 20, 2023
This book by Marco Rubio has been one I wanted to read about 6 years ago. Never did. Written in 2014 and 2015, and reading it now, is a look back at the thoughts of a young Senator and how he saw our country and our internal domestic problems.
Marco takes different issues and discusses them in detail, of course from his perspective.
In looking back at these issues, it seems that we are not better off, we have not fixed things as Marco discusses. Instead we are a more divided country.
Very interesting read.
I worry for our country and our way of life.
Marco takes different issues and discusses them in detail, of course from his perspective.
In looking back at these issues, it seems that we are not better off, we have not fixed things as Marco discusses. Instead we are a more divided country.
Very interesting read.
I worry for our country and our way of life.
May 5, 2025
It’s a pretty good book. A snapshot of the 2013 status quo ante bellum, with the ISIS and Crimea crises getting coverage, along with the rest of the foreign policy world of the day, only in the final chapter. That aside, the book is sharply focused on presenting problems faced by real Americans and solutions they forge, followed by a plan by Marco “Mr. Fix-it” Rubio. Now onto his peer, Henry Kissinger, who’s “Diplomacy” is the only other book on Audible plus written by a SoS/NSA. Godspeed, Marco.
June 18, 2017
Shares his agenda for running for President. Decries Federal Programs, then advocates Federal Programs. Shares stories of Florida residents and their situations. Advocates education in this 'New Economy' Voters will decide.
November 20, 2017
This was a typical campaign book circa 2014. It had a few interesting anecdotes, but it was primarily comprised of talking points. It seemed to lack significant details about the policy changes that it was proposing.
April 28, 2019
Right wing polemic, published in 2015, to showcase Rubio's conservative credentials. Lots of suggestions without feasible implementation. Critical of Obama; wonder what his take on the Presidency now. Dated. Little lasting value
July 5, 2017
He has a lot of good points. Too bad people are too busy fighting this pissing match to actually get anything fixed.
October 12, 2017
Definitely a politician speaking here. He's got his rhetoric down.
September 18, 2021
I like Mr. Rubio, but in regards to him being an author, I'm not impressed.
January 26, 2016
I like what Marco has to say. This book was a pretty clear view of the direction he thinks the country should go. He outlines plenty of concrete plans, and it's clear he is a solid thinker.
As I read this, I realized I might be a little more libertarian than he is. There were definitely things where I'm not sure I 100% agreed with his worldview. I'll give you an example. He proposed an alternative to the minimum wage hike. His proposal was that the government could subsidize full time employees who are below the poverty level. The idea was that a minimum wage hike will price many low skilled workers out of a job while at the same time hurting businesses. This proposal solves both of those problems but helps to create a living wage for the poorest among us.
I like this proposal. It makes a lot of sense and it directly addresses my 2 biggest concerns with a minimum wage hike. The only problem is that for me, I'm not sure that this is a problem that I think should be addressed by the federal government. If I felt it was within the jurisdiction of the federal government, than I would probably think his proposal would be an excellent way to solve the problem.
So, while I may not directly agree with his view of what the government should and shouldn't solve, I like that he is an out of the box thinker. I think he could solve many of the problems our country faces.
I also really liked some of his proposals regarding economic issues. I really liked his simple proposal to help Americans with the retirement crisis. He proposes to offer all citizens the opportunity to have the same retirement plan as Congress. He's not offering the matching that Congress gets, but simply the ability to buy shares in the same funds so that people that switch jobs frequently don't have to worry about their 401(K) with have a dozen previous employers. This seems like an obvious and simple solution that has virtually no cost.
All in all, I like him. I could vote for him. We don't agree on everything, but I like his approach and way of thinking about problems.
As I read this, I realized I might be a little more libertarian than he is. There were definitely things where I'm not sure I 100% agreed with his worldview. I'll give you an example. He proposed an alternative to the minimum wage hike. His proposal was that the government could subsidize full time employees who are below the poverty level. The idea was that a minimum wage hike will price many low skilled workers out of a job while at the same time hurting businesses. This proposal solves both of those problems but helps to create a living wage for the poorest among us.
I like this proposal. It makes a lot of sense and it directly addresses my 2 biggest concerns with a minimum wage hike. The only problem is that for me, I'm not sure that this is a problem that I think should be addressed by the federal government. If I felt it was within the jurisdiction of the federal government, than I would probably think his proposal would be an excellent way to solve the problem.
So, while I may not directly agree with his view of what the government should and shouldn't solve, I like that he is an out of the box thinker. I think he could solve many of the problems our country faces.
I also really liked some of his proposals regarding economic issues. I really liked his simple proposal to help Americans with the retirement crisis. He proposes to offer all citizens the opportunity to have the same retirement plan as Congress. He's not offering the matching that Congress gets, but simply the ability to buy shares in the same funds so that people that switch jobs frequently don't have to worry about their 401(K) with have a dozen previous employers. This seems like an obvious and simple solution that has virtually no cost.
All in all, I like him. I could vote for him. We don't agree on everything, but I like his approach and way of thinking about problems.
November 12, 2015
The US Presidential election is just a year away and Marco Rubio came out with 'American Dreams' in early 2015, just in time for many voters to get to know him and his views better. The book is not fanatical or full of sound bites. It is written by who I see as a sensible and accomplished politician who is really passionate about conveying his beliefs and views about how The American Dream can be salvaged. Marco Rubio is a graceful writer. Granted he is also a lawyer and thus has strong argumentative powers to sway readers to his viewpoint, however, he also makes it abundantly clear that he, being a Republican, is willing to work well with both Democrats and Republicans to achieve a comprehensive agenda that is good for the American people. He offers numerous examples of how to address various important issues confronting America today: the ballooning student loan problem, a shaking Social Security system, and a decline in the traditional family unit, to name a few. His Afterword demonstrates a keen understanding and appreciation of just how interlinked our world is today. I as a reader do appreciate that he has not neglected to mention that what happens outside of America is even more relevant today than it was just a decade ago. "What happens across the planet can have a greater impact on your family than what happens down the street." He also mentions that "...today foreign policy is domestic policy". Before the presidential debates were broadcast on TV, I did not know who Marco Rubio was. As a voter, I told myself it is important to delve into the body of written work by the candidates that I am interested in so that I have a greater understanding of their political platform. So much of what is on the Internet is noise and lacks substance. Reading books by the politicians who are running for President of the US is a great way to get to know them better. I highly recommend this book to all eligible US voters, political affiliation aside.
March 25, 2015
Very inspirational and easy read story begins this book. Marco Rubio details his grandfather's influence upon him. Especially upon his familial example toward work and the belief in American Dreams. A Cuban immigrant, he was nearly identical to my own parents and Grandfather who came across the sea. Down to almost twin fashion sense of shirt, tie, suspenders- on chair sitting, cigar smoking Sundays. They came across a different sea, but for similar reasons. Bad government dictates and no chance of economic or class advancement whatsoever. Having what they did "have" taken away by different forms of "might makes right". Looking for individual freedom and not governmental dictation toward life choices.
They believed it and they lived it during the last half of the 20th century. Most worked endlessly and they did it, they had success, they advanced in choices. And no one "built it for them" either during any part of the 40 or 50 year process. This book is about returning America to a system where it is possible for 2 parents to raise children, educate them, and earn enough to save for the future while also having a decent standard of life and connection. Some of his ideas are excellent, a few (like no regulation at all for instant enterprise like Uber, for instance)I am not completely convinced will help much at this point.
His chapters on several other aspects are 5 star. Especially upon American education and the costs of college versus the results in reward within this world wide competitive job market. College loan debt chapter is a 6 star message. Also his details on what government can do to support children being raised in the most secure ways toward a happy and independent adulthood.
Many good ideas, within a short and concise listing of practical methods and not just idealist philosophy. Terrific, clear prose. It was a pleasure to read.
They believed it and they lived it during the last half of the 20th century. Most worked endlessly and they did it, they had success, they advanced in choices. And no one "built it for them" either during any part of the 40 or 50 year process. This book is about returning America to a system where it is possible for 2 parents to raise children, educate them, and earn enough to save for the future while also having a decent standard of life and connection. Some of his ideas are excellent, a few (like no regulation at all for instant enterprise like Uber, for instance)I am not completely convinced will help much at this point.
His chapters on several other aspects are 5 star. Especially upon American education and the costs of college versus the results in reward within this world wide competitive job market. College loan debt chapter is a 6 star message. Also his details on what government can do to support children being raised in the most secure ways toward a happy and independent adulthood.
Many good ideas, within a short and concise listing of practical methods and not just idealist philosophy. Terrific, clear prose. It was a pleasure to read.
April 2, 2016
American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone by Marco Rubio is a truly inspiring book about people struggling to achieve the american dream and ways the dream can be brought back to give everyone a chance to be successful. Rubio outlines his plans of reforming America saying what he will do if he is elected president. I like how Marco maintains optimism for a bright future in his book. “The most prosperous and secure era in our nation's history is within our reach”(191). I find it comforting that Rubio maintains this hope for the best era in American History. I also enjoyed that Rubio offered his insight on how the immigration system should be reformed. “Making our legal immigration a merit-based system that encourages innovators will have broad benefits for our economy”(46). I totally agree with this stance and think it will go a long way it making our economy prosperous again. I like that Rubio understands the common problems the average american faces and he wants to help. “The modern economy has eliminated many low skilled jobs and the jobs that are left require the kind of education our schools aren't delivering to the poor”(57). I am pleased that he will talk about the problem and offers his solution based on his own poor upbringing. Rubio is a very respectable man who has a bright future in the GOP. His book is excellent because he acknowledges all the problems about our current economy and connects with the middle class to help fix our problems. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in politics or anyone intrigued to learn more about Senator Marco Rubio.
December 18, 2015
We're entering an election year, and Marco Rubio is a candidate for President, so it's no surprise that in his book, there's a certain amount of bashing Democrats and Obama. That may enliven the book for Republican readers, and diminish the book's popularity among Democratic readers. But unlike some political books, which is ONLY about bashing the opposition, Rubio does manage to introduce some of HIS ideas and HIS programs which he's recommending. It's doubtful that anyone can like absolutely everything a political candidate has to offer, but Rubio has a way of presenting his ideas as more sound and sane compared to what's being offered by a few of the others currently in the race.
It's early in the election cycle, so it's too soon to say who will be the ultimate successful presidential candidate for the Republican Party, but Rubio has the charisma, youthful good looks, and stage presence which (unfortunately) is as important as policy to many voters. On the policy side, his visions and outlooks as outlined in this book should help primary voters decide whether they feel he deserves their support or not. Not every idea he describes is practical, will be enacted, or will even make it beyond the talking stage in Congress, but at least the book gives the reader better insights into his views than the GOP Presidential debates have been able to do.
It's early in the election cycle, so it's too soon to say who will be the ultimate successful presidential candidate for the Republican Party, but Rubio has the charisma, youthful good looks, and stage presence which (unfortunately) is as important as policy to many voters. On the policy side, his visions and outlooks as outlined in this book should help primary voters decide whether they feel he deserves their support or not. Not every idea he describes is practical, will be enacted, or will even make it beyond the talking stage in Congress, but at least the book gives the reader better insights into his views than the GOP Presidential debates have been able to do.
September 7, 2015
This was good as I was interested in what a lot of his ideas would be if he were our new President. Most of this is on domestic issues with an afterward about foreign policy. His main point is the world has changed and we have not moved into the 21st century with our ideas and programs. In other words we need to get modern and catch up with technology including our education and jobs. He has a lot of good ideas if they could only be put into place - not easy. College is too expensive especially when jobs are scarce, making it hard to pay off a college debt. Also the break down of family is causing a lot of people not being able to get out of poverty. He's a Christian and very thankful for his home life because he had the love and support of his family, not wealth.
October 22, 2015
4.5 Very informative, mostly outlining in detail Rubio's economic plans for the recovery of America. I like that he relies on statistics. I don't think all of his ideas will work but he has lots of ideas that are well thought out and well researched. That's a step in the right direction. I really like his focus on strengthening families, saying "the breakdown of the family is the single greatest challenge facing America", solving all other challenges depends on solving this one.
I also like his innovative domestic policy ideas. I like that he has slightly more practical experience than the other GOP front runners. He didn't touch on foreign policy enough, and not much on the national debt either-2 issues that have only gotten bigger since he published.
I also like his innovative domestic policy ideas. I like that he has slightly more practical experience than the other GOP front runners. He didn't touch on foreign policy enough, and not much on the national debt either-2 issues that have only gotten bigger since he published.
March 29, 2015
Florida Senator, and likely presidential candidate admits that congress, Democrat and Republican are responsible for some of the challenges currently facing America. In this book he outlines policy proposals that will help deal with some of our biggest concerns, Healtcare, Unemployment and Jobs creation, Social Security and Medicare, Welfare State and rising cost of college education to name a few. In each case he outlines the current policies, how and when they were created and proposes modifications that are more appropriate for 21st Century conditions that we now live in. Well thought our and well stated!
February 6, 2017
dnf - once he talked about "traditional" marriage I quit - no time for this idiot
March 4, 2015
I was mostly interested in his ideas on education. He would like colleges to be more transparent in the amount of debt students go into and the amount of money they will expect to earn with that degree from that institution. This could help students understand the cost of their education. He suggested having investors pay part of the student's tuition in return for a portion of their income for so many years and admitted that investors won't solve the problem for everyone. Rubio looks to be running for higher office, and I suggest this book to those interested in Marco's policies.
September 12, 2015
fail to adjust need reform higher ed taxes regulations, equal opportunity, 2/3 give up looking for job only 1/3 reported, health of family first, tank wheelchair regs, govt not venture capitalist Solyndra, only work reduces poor, 300 of 350 are rural poor counties, work incentives, invest in students, no family lobby chronyism in everything especially Obamacare, 10m single moms, Fed pension program for seniors, workers are assets not liabilities, faith in God and mentor, outside marriage births data, Great Depression did not break down family, family first solutions, strength peace morals.
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