The Debt Bomb Lib/E: A Bold Plan to Stop Washington from Bankrupting America

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 crisisExposes Washington's destructive appetite for wasteful spending, power grabs, backroom deals, and quick nonfixesRises above partisanship to implicate elected officials of all stripes in steering the nation off courseLays out a commonsense guide to restoring orderConcludes with a clarion call and sound advice for Americans dedicating themselves to defusing the debt bomb Above all, Coburn believes the United States can continue as a beacon of opportunity for future generations--but 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.

About the Author :
Tom A. Coburn, former United States senator for Oklahoma, is a family medicine and obstetrics physician who maintained his medical practice and delivered more than four hundred babies during his tenure in Congress. President George W. Bush selected him to cochair the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. John Hart is an award-winning writer who has served as Senator Tom A. Coburn's communications director since 2005. He previously served as Senator Coburn's press secretary from 1997 until 2000. He is also coauthor, with Senator Coburn, of Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders into Insiders. John lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Kimberly, and three children. John Pruden is an Earphones Award-winning audiobook narrator. His exposure to many people, places, and experiences throughout his life provides a deep creative well from which he draws his narrative and vocal characterizations. His narration of The Killing of Crazy Horse by Thomas Powers was chosen by the Washington Post as a Best Audiobook of 2010. John Pruden is an Earphones Award-winning audiobook narrator. His exposure to many people, places, and experiences throughout his life provides a deep creative well from which he draws his narrative and vocal characterizations. His narration of The Killing of Crazy Horse by Thomas Powers was chosen by the Washington Post as a Best Audiobook of 2010.

Review :
Tom Coburn tells the truth, and tips over everyone's sacred cows.-- "Al Simpson, former Senator" "Dr. Tom Coburn is the real deal. He's not a politician; he's a citizen in office. Day in and day out, he's been fighting to shrink the federal government, and has been attacked by his own party and the political opposition for doing so. Now he's written a book outlining in stark terms the problems the nation is facing. Dr. Coburn is a real American hero, and he's standing against the tide in the United States Senate. If you want the truth, from the inside, you need to read this book." -- "Mark Meckler, cofounder and national chairman of the Tea Party Patriots" "In The Debt Bomb, Tom outlines how all Americans can work together to strengthen our critical health and retirement security programs, reform our tax code, and lift our crushing burden of debt. Dr. Coburn has accurately diagnosed the problem and offers a sensible prescription to solve it. More than anything, he makes a compelling case for urgency and action before the crisis becomes incurable." -- "Paul Ryan, 2012 Republican nominee for vice president" "The five loveliest words in the English language are those that begin the first amendment: 'Congress shall make no law...' Notice the most underused word in contemporary Washington: 'No.' Fortunately, Tom Coburn uses it with gusto in attacking the crisis so well described in this book. He is a man with a plan and the steely determination to implement it." -- "George F. Will, nationally syndicated columnist"