First published 2010
David M. Walker served as comptroller general of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office during the Bush administration. He watched the federal surplus transform into massive deficits and warned Congress repeatedly about the dangers ahead. Now he leads the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and dedicates his time to alerting Americans about the debt crisis threatening future generations. Walker argues that without major reforms to government programs and policies, federal taxes could double by 2030. Foreign creditors like China might stop buying Treasury bonds, driving up interest rates and making homes and cars unaffordable for ordinary families. Children will receive inferior education while the nation loses economic strength globally. Walker presents specific solutions to prevent this collapse. He outlines plans to control spending, preserve Social Security, restructure Medicare, and simplify tax codes. The book evaluates Obama administration policies with both praise and criticism based on Walker's insider knowledge. Walker believes America can return to fiscal responsibility and protect future generations, but only if citizens understand the stakes and demand action now.
Genres: business, american, political-science, politics, economics, non-fiction, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: insider-knowledge
240 pages · Hardcover · Random House