Living the American Dream by mining?

Walker was recently quoted as saying: "...our ancestors came here with the hopes of living the American dream by mining. We should be able to do it again here in Wisconsin in 2012 and beyond." 

I'm not sure anyone's idea of the "American Dream" then or now consisted of this:

Or of having this in your backyard:

Or having to apply for this:

I think we can do better.