Building the New American Economy

Smart, Fair, and Sustainable

By: Jeffrey D. Sachs, Bernie Sanders - foreward

Narrated by: Rudy Sanda

Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

With a nation seemingly more divided than ever, many worry that Americans risk losing ground on solving the complex, interrelated problems the country faces - including rising inequality, the specter of climate change, astronomical health care costs, and economic stagnation. The renowned economist Jeffrey D. Sachs offers a practical approach to move America toward a new consensus: sustainable development.

Sustainable development focuses on the economy, society, and the environment when shaping policy. A holistic approach emphasizing economic, social, and environmental objectives is key. In focusing too much on economic growth, the United States has neglected rising economic inequality and dire environmental threats. Now, even growth is imperiled.

In this passionate and powerful book - part manifesto, part plan of action - Sachs dwells on issues that have captivated the nation and political debate, including infrastructure, trade deals, energy policy, the proper size and role of government, the national debt, and income inequality. Not only does he provide illuminating and accessible explanations of the forces at work in each case, but he also presents specific policy solutions.

©2017 Jeffrey D. Sachs (P)2017 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"Jeffrey Sachs remains one of the most thought-provoking economists in the world today because he dares to challenge presidents of both parties and the orthodoxies that bind them to disastrous policies. His critiques are fierce and his solutions fearless in the face of political and academic groupthink." (Joe Scarborough)

If only....

If only our so called president could read.... this is such an accessible outline of what would create a better world for our children.... if only greed, corruption and racism was not in the way....

The JFK voice was not necessary...

Not bad, not bad

Decent book about Sachs's vision for a realizable, improved future America. I found it interesting that in the book he seemed to go easy on Drumpf, whereas his in-presentations lately have totally and unreservedly bashed the orange one.

Less than great narration

The content is very interesting but the narrators attempt to read with gravitas gives it a lulling, repetitive cadence not unlike the stereotypical boring middle school science class.

A Focused Plan to move Forward

This book and it's reading is dry but important and concise. It criticizes the failures of the entire political spectrum and points towards how we can transcend today's toxic politics by defining easy to understand but ambitious goals that will help everyone in our country achieve prosperity and well-being. The reader's bad JFK impression was not necessary or appreciated.