This is just anecdotal not empirical evidence relating to your own circumstances. The argument "I can do it so anyone can" is narrow minded and over simplistic. What many people would consider typically american especialluy when it comes to foriegn policy for example. I dont share such a genealistic view and see the USA as a land of diversity but in need of modernisation. It fails by its own criteria in the land of opportunity model.
It is no more anecdotal than you saying only the rich get ahead in this country because Mommy and Daddy paid for their education. Furthermore, you take your views of US foreign Policy and try to tie that in to the fact that in the US, "Anyone can succeed if they try hard enough", as though it is just American Hooo Haaa.
#1. America has and always will be the land of opportunity. As I have said time and again, anyone here can succeed based on their willingness to work hard and consistently.
#2. US Foreign Policy has absolutely nothing to do with the ability of people to succeed in this country. If you want to argue that, go start another thread. I am simply not in the mood, nor do I care about the opinion of a foreigner telling me how we should be conducting our foreign policy.
#3. You can say we need to modernize and that we do not have opportunity, but that is close minded and based on you watching too much Spike Lee garbage. This country is one of the top modernized societies. We have areas where we could improve such as public transportation and such, but as a whole, it is very modern. We have supported and developed other nations through our constant generosity, including your own, and rarely ever been paid back for that generosity. That aside, this land still remains a place where anyone can do whatever they truly set their heart on if they are tenacious enough.