Forgive Us Our Debts The Intergenerational Dangers of Fiscal Irresponsibility Andrew L. Yarrow

In this immensely timely book, Andrew Yarrow brings the sometimes eye-glazing discussion of national debt down to earth, explaining in accessible terms why federal debt is rising (and will soon rise much faster), what effects it may have on Americans if debt is not brought under control, why our government borrows, and what it will take to pay it all back.

The picture Yarrow paints should concern all Americans. Specifically, he brings to light how rising Medicare, Social Security, and other spending on one hand, and insufficient government revenues on the other, make a mockery of fiscal responsibility. Deficits and debt, Yarrow asserts, are crowding out spending on needed investments in science, environment, infrastructure, and other domestic discretionary programmes, and could severely harm our nation's and our citizens' future. But he makes clear that this does not have to be a doomsday scenario. If we act in a bipartisan fashion to restore fiscal responsibility, our legacy to the next generation can be much more than trillions of dollars of IOUs.

Andrew Yarrow is vice president and Washington director of Public Agenda, teaches U.S. history at American University, was a reporter for the New York Times, served in other nonprofit and government entities, and has published in scholarly and popular journals for twenty-five years.

"Andrew Yarrow blends his skills as a journalist, historian, and policy insider to address issues absolutely critical to our future and that of our children. Don't just read it; make sure your neighbor does, as well."-Dr. C. Eugene Steuerle, co-director, Urban Institute-Brookings Institution Tax Policy Center, and former deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury under President Reagan