Book Review: That Used to be Us

“America will do the right thing, but only after exhausting all other options.” Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum echo this comment made by Winston Churchhill. In their book, That Used to be Us, both authors explore the reasons that America is falling behind in the world and the solutions to get us back to the top.

Friedman and Mandelbaum contend that as Americans, we are falling behind in the world we invented. Our spirit, diversity of opinions and talents, flexible economy, work ethic and penchant for innovation have allowed us to make the world a much better place. All these traits are still present in America but we are not living up to our potential.

Friedman and Mandelbaum look towards China for as the country that is most ambitious but contend that even as China is getting 90% of the benefits of its second rate political system we seem satisfied to get only 50% benefits from our first rate system. What’s with that?

The Authors list 4 reason they feel we are falling behind:

First, we don’t get up each day and ask: What world are we living in and what exactly do we need to do to thrive in this world?
Second, over the last 20 years we have failed to address some of our biggest problems – education, deficits and debt, energy and climate change.
Third, we have stopped investing in our country’s traditional formula for success, which includes a healthy balance and cooperation between the government and private enterprise.
Fourth, our political system has become paralyzed and our system of values has suffered serious erosion.

This book is depressing in many areas because of the enormity of the problems but it does lay out the groundwork for what needs to happen for America to get back to the top. The world needs a strong America. The more we, as individuals, can understand the problems the more we will be able to select the best leaders to take us forward as a country. Madalyn

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