The Debt Bomb

In a nation whose debt has outgrown the size of its entire economy, the greatest threat comes not from any foreign force but from Washington politicians who refuse to relinquish the intoxicating power to borrow and spend. Senator Tom Coburn reveals the fascinating, maddening story of how we got to this point of fiscal crisisand how we can escape. Long before Americas recent economic downturn, beltway politicians knew the U.S. was going bankrupt. Yet even after several so-called change elections, the government has continued its wasteful ways in the face of imminent danger. With passion and clarity, Coburn explains why Washington resists change so fiercely and offers controversial yet commonsense solutions to secure the nations future. At a time when millions of Americans are speculating about what is broken in Washington, The Debt Bomb is a candid, thoughtful, non-partisan expos of the real problems inside our government. Coburn challenges the conventional wisdom that blames lobbyists, gridlock, and obstructionism, and places the responsibility squarely where it belongs: on members of Congress in both parties who wont let go of the perks of power to serve the true interests of the nationunless enough citizens take bold steps to demand action. Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There was never a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. John Adams Throughout a distinguished career as a business owner, physician, and U.S. senator, Tom Coburn has watched his beloved republic careen down a suicidal path. Today, the nation stands on the precipice of financial ruin, a disaster far more dangerous to our safety than any terrorist threats we face. Yet Coburn believes there is still hopeif enough Americans are willing to shake the corridors of Washington and demand action. With an insiders keen eye and a caregivers deft touch, Coburn diagnoses the mess that career politicians have made of things while misusing their sacred charge to govern. Coburns incisive analysis: Reveals the root causes of Americas escalating financial crisis Exposes Washingtons destructive appetite for wasteful spending, power grabs, backroom deals, and quick non-fixes Rises above partisanship to implicate elected officials of all stripes in steering the nation off course Lays out a commonsense guide to restoring order Concludes with a clarion call and sound advice for Americans who would dedicate themselves to defusing the debt bomb Above all, Coburn believes the United States can continue as a beacon of opportunity for future generationsbut how we act today will determine whether we deliver the nation to our children and grandchildren fully alive, on life support, or without a pulse.