Right for the times the United States is in at present
923544
I read this book through in one setting about a five hour read.  It helt my interest until the very end.  We all should know that this is what is happening in the United States at present. there are major groups positioning for complete control and not listing to the citizens of this country at present. The author has done a lot of research into the real workings of this country at present. The government seems to be pushing the morality issue more and more every day. I do not read fiction but the book was spot on for 2010.  I will give many copies away to friends as presents and know they will be enjoyed.
4601488
This little volume written now some 23 years ago predicts quite well the situation we are currently in. Although the author only uses the words " political correctness" once he predicted quite accurately the current debate over diversity going on in our nation today.  Instead of people thinking what is the Common Good for our nation we have one group after another: racial, ethnic, sexual orientation,economic etc seeking its own interest.  Thus the dis-uniting of America.  We are becoming less and less being One people and instead a nation of competing racial, ethnic, economic groups etc The result is increasing dislike and even hatred of those who don't agree with one's viewpoint. The Commonweal is being gradually destroyed.
1296085
Modern day book along the lines of 1984. One can see, based on how the media behaves, that this book parallels what is happening in modern-day America.
2888480
This was a timely book to read now in the current economy & emphasis on taking better care of our environment.  I've heard of these uses before but had not committed the formulas to memory so this is a good resource with all the info in the same convenient location.  Thanks.
3605931
This is the book to read for information about where the United States is in biblical prophecy. Timely and very informative.
2480090
For 2016, this book feels somewhat dated with the scare of communism and the socialism ideas that existed in America from the 50's, 60's, and going into the 70's when this book was written. Still the information in here is very real and pertinent to our day, the only difference is the "insiders", since this book was written, learned to disguise their deeds through "corporatocracy" (to use the term from John Perkin's book Confessions of an Economic Hitman) and in the name of free enterprise.

The book isn't long, and should be required reading in our schools along with reading and understanding our constitution. The book goes into details about our America's history up till the book was published, why and how things really have occurred in our country that you won't find in our school books and class rooms. The book has less to do with our political parties in America, and more with explaining why all our presidential administrations tend to do the same which the previous administrations do with regards to military spending, war, and increasing our national debt.

The author does a great job of connecting the lines of names of people, with dates, and involvement of organizations and or government positions.

The book does make an interesting read and do recommend this book to anyone who loves This country of ours.

On a side note, I'd love to see a current update of this book from the author if it was possible as I believe so many more things have happened since the 70's which most of us have been around to witness in our country, but our media and news hasn't reported correctly - yet we can feel in our gut that more is happening in the background that doesn't feel right.
4337651
Mackin's book provides a concise assemblage of historical events which contribute to the current state of economic affairs. It seems to be not meant to be political, but rather points out the urgent need for a new set of priorities so as to stabilize and improve the American economy. Mackin's view is valuable when determining what each of us can do to right the national ship. I'm recommending the book to my friends who care about the country, and aren't too "busy" to ignore their opportunity/responsibility.
1023264
Amazing how relevant to our current time this is. Financial colapse and struggling recovery, refugees having difficulty fitting in, racism, sex discrimination....you name it!
97252
This book was an excellent wake up call to how the U.S. and the world got to where we are now. Time to wake up and take a firm stand.
4959967
This book is total validation for what we have seen the past 3 1/2 years.  Read it, Please and give it sincere thought before voting this November.  Our country and out life style is on the line.  IF you really want to live in a European society, then move there.  Dont debase our society.  WE are exceptional and should be proud of that fact!  Political party affiliation aside, this is the time to save the USA and keep it as the shining light for the world.  Mr. Obama does not believe we should be exceptional.  That is so unfortunate, because we are and always will be.
1214559
Highly appropriate for the time we currently live in. Easily digestable read even for the laymen. Have a feeling this might be a very important piece of work dispite it's brevity.
538397
An excellent portrayal of what is occurring in our country at this time. Actually it's sad but confirmation for me to what has happened in my community. It was just ten days ago our President told those of us in upstate New York we should be looking to relocate.
3761178
BASING ANY FORECAST FOR THE FUTURE ON SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED IN 1921 DOES NOT WORK.
THE US HAS GONE FROM A GROWING FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL POWERHOUSE IN THE EARLY 1900'S
TO THE LARGEST INDUSTRIAL IMPORTER IN THE WORLD HEAVILY INDEBTED TO ORIENTALS. NO CHANGE
IN SIGHT. WHEN THE US GOES DOWN NEXT TIME THE REBOUND WILL TAKE A LOT LONGER AND
REQUIRE EVEN MORE FEDERAL INPUT THEN IN THE 1930'S.  NEW WORLD. DIFFERENT CONTEXT.
2814484
For anyone curious as to what the near future will look like under the Trump regime in America, this is a good reference.
590412
I wanted to test this book. I read it several years ago and wanted to see how well it still measured to current events. Would it still be relevant, or lost in obscurity, its predictions totally off?

I was interested that the book had identified problems and solutions that would have to be addressed, and they have been. America has reached out to Iran. Iraq is a mess. Russia is trying to exert itself while it still can. America has put a wedge between Germany and Russia. America, by necessity, is finally playing regional players against each other but not getting involved militarily. Perhaps, we are maturing.

However, as Friedman warns, the soul of the Republic is at stake. It is unclear if the Republic can survive empire. Geopolitically we are starting to mature as Friedman predicted, yet, the Republic is increasingly in danger. NSA, militarization of police, drones, and political radicals are all gaining power, and imposing their will at the cost to the Republic. Friedmans observations on the next 10 years have been very good. We are starting to reach a crisis point, that will either propel the United States into the next century, or start the nation, (and by default, the world) down a slippery path of destruction.

The next president will have very large responsibilities, and his character must be Machavialin. Obama has done well, started what needs to happen on the world stage, but it is the next president that will face several crises, any number that can change the Republic for better or worse.

Friedman got it right, and it is worth the read for everyone that needs some background on the geopolitics of the world right now.
1942888
Such a great look into the current status of America, what it used to be, and what it can become... if we work together!
373068
A well written book, very worthy of our attention.  A timely read that offers some explanation of our current culture.