Who believes that America is currently living up to its potential? Is the American government being responsive to its citizens? This book lays a picture of the America that is under siege by corporations, special interests, and the rich and powerful. It shows how greater direct democracy can revitalize not just our politics, but also our economy.

The solution is democratic reform. Talbott shows how greater direct democracy can revitalize not just our politics, but our economy as well. Voting rights, constitutional rights, human rights, democratic institutions, a free press, civil liberties, and especially rights to assemble and speak are important not just in the world's repressive regimes but also in America, which has seen a long erosion of these basic rights so important to her people's prosperity and individual freedoms. America's next great political battle won't be fought between Democrats and Republicans: it will be fought between elitists and populists. This book begins that battle.
*Reviving democracy in America: Who stole our country--and how to get it back--or did we just let them take it without a fight?
*Failing democracy, failing economy: Why a strong American economy requires a strong democracy
*Corporations are not people: Ending corporate dominance in American politics
*Big media: Whatever happened to the free press?

AMERICA'S PROBLEMS AT HOME.
1. What Is Wrong with America?
2. Is It the Economy, Stupid?
3. Is Government the Problem?
4. Corporations Are Not Citizens!
5. How the Rich and Powerful Play the Game.
6. Other Special Interests Have Other Special Requirements.
AMERICA'S PROBLEMS ABROAD.
7. Why Do They Hate Us? What World Opinion Could Tell America.
8. More Democracy Is the Answer.
9. What Should America's Message to the Developing World Be?
WHO WILL TELL THE PEOPLE.
10. Has Academia Lost Its Independence.
11. Who Controls the Media?
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION.
12. The Citizens' Agenda and Conclusion.
APPENDIX.
Political Freedom, Economic Liberty, and Prosperity.
References.
Index.