Candidates urged to discuss opportunity

DALLAS, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The author of a new book about the "American Dream" said Friday the presidential candidates should talk about how to make that possible for all citizens.

The dream remains elusive for many Americans, such as those mired in poverty, said Cal Jillson, author of "Pursuing the American Dream: Opportunity and Exclusion Over Four Centures."

Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, said the candidates need to talk more about helping the poor with education and jobs and lifting the burden from women who face the challenge of balancing work and family duties.

Two-thirds of the American people believe the dream is becoming harder to achieve, especially for young families, according to a survey released this week by the National League of Cities.

The survey also found an 11 percent growth since 2001 in the number of Americans who believe that government is more of a hindrance than a help in achieving the dream.