Oh Say, Can't You See?: How America Got Sidetracked

Americans have become blinded by fear and our government seems incapable of a vision beyond 90 days. Can't you see? We have failed to counter the rise of powerful foreign economies. Lacking concern for America's future and middle class, the wealthy have piled up excessive personal wealth, causing a shrinking middle class. Lawmakers overregulated our country with uniformity that stole America's unique spirit of adventure, individual freedom and personal responsibility. In politics, polarization is king. Professional demagogues succeeded in stirring up more hate for the opposite side of the political aisle than for America's real enemies. Compromise used to be smart business; now it is considered a weakness or act of betrayal. Stubborn ideology, once an impractical trait is now a virtue of strong character. Many countries (and fascist groups) use our weaknesses to their advantage. We've got it all wrong. Americans need to work together if we hope to induce positive change both here and abroad. Most Americans sense signs of decay but can't put the finger on the causes, let alone solutions. It is not easy to see the forest for the trees. This book makes that job easier.