The Debt Bomb

Summary

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 crisis—and how we can escape.


Long before America's 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 nation's future.

At a time when millions of Americans are speculating about what is broken in Washington, The Debt Bomb
is a candid, thoughtful, nonpartisan exposé 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
won't let go of the perks of power to serve the true interests of the
nation-unless enough citizens take bold steps to demand action.

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
hope—if enough Americans are willing to shake the corridors of
Washington and demand action.

With an insider's keen eye and a
caregiver's deft touch, Coburn diagnoses the mess that career
politicians have made of things while misusing their sacred charge to
govern. Coburn's incisive analysis:

• Reveals the root causes of America's escalating financial crisis


• Exposes Washington's destructive appetite for wasteful spending, power grabs, backroom deals, and quick nonfixes


• 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 dedicating themselves to defusing the debt bomb