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The Betrayal of the American Dream Audiobook
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(3.98) - 125 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
America’s unique prosperity is based on its creation of a middle class. In the twentieth century, that middle class provided the workforce, the educated skills, and the demand that gave life to the world’s greatest consumer economy. It was innovative and dynamic; it eclipsed old imperial systems and colonial archetypes. It gave rise to a dream: that if you worked hard and followed the rules you would prosper in America, and your children would enjoy a better life than yours. The American dream was the lure to gifted immigrants and the birthright opportunity for every American citizen. It is as important a part of the history of the country as the passing of the Bill of Rights, the outcome of the battle of Gettysburg, or the space program. Incredibly, however, for more than thirty years, government and big business in America have conspired to roll back the American dream. What was once accessible to a wide swath of the population is increasingly open only to a privileged few. The story of how the American middle class has been systematically impoverished and its prospects thwarted in favor of a new ruling elite is at the heart of this extraordinarily timely and revealing audiobook, whose devastating findings from two of the finest investigative reporters in the country will leave you astonished and angry.
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"I don't read many books dealing with politics as a subject, but feel that since this election is an important one I need to be better informed. I also believe that when dealing with any such subject the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle. Found this book to be very informative and even if it is only half true it is still very frightening to the growth and strength of our country."
— Diane (4 out of 5 stars)
The Betrayal of the American Dream Listener Reviews
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" Very interesting book but a bit bias. Reminded me of being back in business school but learning what I learned then might not actually be the best. Lots to discuss. "
— Christinegrabowski, 1/13/2014 -
" A real eye opener. So much goes on in the world and in the busyness of life, you don't stop to notice or think about. Surprising insight into what and who is behind the scenes in our country today. "
— Kelly, 1/12/2014 -
" This should be read by everyone, regardless of your political orientation. "
— Jeni, 10/4/2013 -
" This book was an eye-opener for me and after reading it, I am enraged by the lack of leadership in Congress. The author makes his case wekk and gave me a lot to consider in regards to the direction of the U.S. "
— Kristen, 9/6/2013 -
" Authoritative step by step recounting of what has caused the erosion of Middle class. Daring, and incise. One of few to confront Friedman and his Flat World lunacy. "
— Juan, 8/22/2013 -
" This well-researched book should be required reading for all U.S. voters. "
— Janet, 8/6/2013 -
" I couldn't finish this book - found it to be repetitive with very little factual information. Just a lot of rich people are horrible, repeated over and over. "
— Abby, 6/27/2013 -
" A book that describes how the "American Dream" has been undermined by policies enacted in Washington by the government. Explicitly described and candidly honest. "
— Ellis, 6/8/2013 -
" Great book. Easy to read and in simple examples shows how Republicans, Democrats and the Economic Elite together really are to blame for the shrinking middle class and the damage it does to our society. "
— Megan, 12/19/2012 -
" Regardless of political preferences, this should be mandatory reading for every American. It does a great job of explaining the events that have eaten away at the middle class for the last 30 plus years! And it's not going to get any better unless policies are changed!! "
— Georgianne, 12/2/2012 -
" Floored. This book is a perfect guide to why it is hard to get ahead in America, whose at fault, and what we can do about it. "
— Tom, 11/23/2012 -
" This book provides a very sobering look at the widening US trade deficit over the past thirty years and the accompanying negative effects on the economy. I learned a lot. "
— Bijan, 10/5/2012 -
" This was a book group selection for me, so I wouldn't have picked this book up on my own. It is written very matter of factly and is relentlessly depressing. If you keep up to date with economic news through other media sources, this book will likely prove redundant. "
— Jessica, 9/28/2012 -
" interview 8/12 on public radio Bob Edwards "
— Polly, 9/24/2012
About the Authors
Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele have worked together for more than three decades, first at the Philadelphia Inquirer, where they won two Pulitzer Prizes, and then at Time magazine, where they earned two National Magazine Awards. They have written several books together.
Christopher Hurt is an accomplished narrator with a lengthy résumé of popular titles for Blackstone. A graduate of George Washington University’s acting program, he currently resides in New York City.
About Wes Talbot
Wes Talbot has worked as a voice and character actor for more than twenty-five years. His corporate and commercial clients include Discover Card, MassMutual, and ServiceSpan, as well as numerous others. He also works as a voice announcer for WGBY Public Television for western New England.