In this respect, America lags behind many other Western nations, including Canada, France, Germany and most Scandinavian countries.

In terms of racial or gender equality, the situation is not getting better.

Another report found the income gap between black and white families has grown over the past 30 years.

In 2004, a typical black family had an income that was only 58 percent of a typical white family.

Back in 1974, median black incomes were 63 percent of those of whites.

Since the founding of the United States, no woman has become vice president or president.

In terms of the percentage of women in all politicians, the country's 16.8 percent is even lagging behind Afghanistan's 27.7 percent and many other developing nations.

For Palin and Obama, the "American Dream" is within reach, but for many, it is still not.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2008)