Former New York Times columnist Bob Herbert (Promises Betrayed) believes the United States has lost its way and needs to be reimagined. Using data and personal stories, he explains why in Losing Our Way.
In the last four decades, many of the wealthiest members of society have worked toward de-unionization and deregulation. They campaigned to cut funding for government programs and lobbied against increasing both taxes and the minimum wage while supporting unlimited campaign spending. Their efforts are in the name of capitalism, and theoretically, capitalist principles will eventually benefit all members of society. The United States in the 21st century is evidence that this isn't the case.
Herbert highlights four major areas in need of overhaul: the country's physical infrastructure, its education system, its attitude toward war and its gross economic imbalance. In each realm, Herbert shares mortifying data that confirm the dire circumstances, but he also tells the stories of individuals affected by deplorable conditions, such as Mercedes Gorden, who was a victim of the I-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota, or Dan Berschinski, who lost three limbs serving in the War on Terror. These personal stories drive home Herbert's point on an intimate, human level better than cold statistics could alone.
Herbert believes change can come only if people organize and fight back, like the abolitionist, civil rights or the women's movements. Losing Our Way, like the current state of the union, can be unsettling, but it is also eye-opening, motivating and the perfect starting point for anyone determined to see the United States on a better economic path. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts