American breakdown : why we no longer trust our leaders and institutions and how we can rebuild confidence
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-252) and index.

American breakdown dissects how, in the space of a generation, the pillars that sustained the once-dominant superpower have been dangerously eroded. From government to business, from media to medicine--the strength and security of the American experiment have been weakened by a widening gap between the elites who control these institutions and the public. At the root of this breakdown is a precipitous fall in Americans' trust in their political, business and cultural leaders. As Baker writes, "This pathology of distrust across American society is eating the country away from the inside." Millions of Americans say they have little faith in their country's future, and no longer seem to have trust in their leaders, in their important social and civil institutions, even in their common values and ideals, or ultimately in each other.

In the space of a generation the pillars that sustained the once-dominant superpower have been dangerously eroded. At the root of this breakdown is a precipitous fall in Americans' trust in their political, business and cultural leaders. Baker believes that America hasn't failed: American have been misled by inept and deceitful political leaders, deserted by predatory and cynical corporate chiefs, and betrayed by a cultural elite exploiting the very freedom this country provides. He then offers solutions for how we rebuild trust, and reclaim our purpose for a better future. -- adapted from jacket