America was once known as the land of opportunity. However, this is no longer the case. Americans are still suffering from a depression that began three years ago, in 2008. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007, the unemployment rate in the United States was 4.6%. In 2009, a year after the onset of the depression, the unemployment rate rose to 7.6%. Millions of Americans live in poverty, unable to afford basic necessities. On the other hand, there is a tiny percentage of the population who are billionaires. Written in 2005, Holly Sklar's essay “The Growing Gulf Between the Rich and the Rest of Us” argues that if something isn't done to address the growing inequality between rich and poor, the American economy as a whole will weaken. A year later, the Economist published the article “Inequality and the American Dream” which implies that the American dream is broken. Sklar's argument sheds light on the Economist's argument. In particular, Sklar's use of facts about the richest and poorest Americans and discussion of the impact of inequality on society inform the Economist article. Sklar provides vivid examples of the astronomical wealth of America's wealthiest class. Sklar opens his article with the following fact from the CIA World Factbook: “'Since 1975, virtually all gains in household income have gone to the top 20 percent of families'” (308). This is a disturbing fact especially for a country that prides itself on equality. A truly equitable society would reflect national prosperity at all levels. Next, Sklar writes about the Forbes 400, the richest people in America. Sklar says the minimum net worth to make the list is $... half the paper... Americans should slide below the poverty line. Both Sklar and the Economist offer suggestions for improving inequality in America, but unfortunately inequality continues to grow. Sklar's use of detailed facts about the richest and poorest Americans and his discussion of the impact on society add clarity to the Economist's argument that the American dream is shattered because of inequality in America. Until the American government begins to make changes, the problem of inequality will continue to grow. Works Cited The Economist. “Inequality and the American Dream”. They say I say. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2009. Print.Sklar, Holly. “The widening chasm between the rich and the rest of us.” They say I say. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russell Durst. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2009. Print.