Discusses the potential economic threat that China poses to the United States and examines critical issues that need to be addressed if America is to remain a powerful leader in the world.

Includes index.

pt. 1: Why are we polarized? Five factors that freeze us from doing the right thing. Genesis: The shot heard 'round the dial -- Democracy under the influence (DUI): Lobbyists in the kitchen -- The ultimate backstage pass: thought-provoking think tanks -- Predator or pray: wayward Christian soldiers -- It's my party: the hijacking of the two-party system -- pt. 2: Ten catastrophes we must avoid. China: a co-dependency that is decoupling -- The silver surge: the aging of America -- Labor pains: the devolution of the labor movement -- The "M" word: same-sex marriage -- Being smart about intelligence: terror firma -- Political hack: tobacco road to ruin -- Sick and tired: today's care, tomorrow's cure -- In stir with love: education versus incarceration -- Dread on arrival: homeland insecurity -- Crude awakening: a true energy policy -- Coda: Where do we go from here?.