What matters, I ask you, my fellow Americans? Has the "American dream" led you to believe that money matters? That success matters? That prosperity matters? Being prosperous at what? Maybe you're successful at your job. Maybe you just got a promotion. And good for you, I applaud you.

Have you ever thought, maybe the American dream is more than that?

For me, being an American means that I have a lot to think about. Being an American writer means I have a responsibility. I have to dig deeper into what we believe is the American dream. Cause I don't know about you, but when I go to sleep at night I think about a little more than my wealth. I think about peace between classes. I think about all the gay men in women out there who are hopelessly in love but have no hope of getting married. I think about all the kids who can't get an education. I think about equality for blacks. I think about prostitutions, trafficking drugs, and people who lost loved ones too soon.

Americans can "dream" all we want, but we're ignorant. We're so ignorant to the idea of prosperity. Couldn't we perspire at being good humans?

I want you to think about what it means for you to be an American. Hopefully it means something to you. When you go to sleep tonight after all your hard work, and successes, think about more than that. Dream about all the good you can do, all the things you can change. Don't be fooled into thinkuing that you'll be the happiest with a million dollars, or with the best business in town. Instead of fighting for that promotion at work go and help that lady who is too old to buy her groceries. Or go help that man who's little baby boy just died for a disease. Quick if you don't go soon, you'll realize it too late.

That's a lot to think about. So I'll leave you with this. Would you trade everyone you love in for a million dollars?

Neither would I.