THE VANISHING 'SHINING CITY ON A HILL'

The U.S. liberal democratic capitalist system has fallen short of its pronouncements. This is evident in the notable challenges faced by the middle class whose economic and social conditions have deteriorated leading to discontent apathy and a decline in public trust in the country's key institutions. Moreover the United States has experienced a decline in its global role influence and reputation. Once viewed as a beacon of democracy and a leader on the world stage even if not always merited America's standing has been undermined by several internal and external challenges. Political polarization an inconsistent and ineffectual foreign policy and the absence of a unified vision have diminished allies' trust and emboldened adversaries. Critically the U.S. media has failed in its essential role to shield the American public from abuses of power and to help establish a reliable and independent framework to identify the risks that threaten core American democratic values. I hope that by reading this book American workers parents students legislators judges corporate leaders entrepreneurs politicians religious and spiritual leaders financial regulators journalists and aspiring citizens will be reminded of America's strength and promise and recognize the significant impact that individual action or inaction has on the quality of the U.S. way of life and sustainability of its ideals. Remaining silent disengaged or vilifying other Americans has put our children grandchildren and future generations at risk. I also hope that the book's contents will in some small measure help counter the pandemic of disinformation and discord infecting U.S. political discourse.