Super Short Summary

That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum examines four critical issues facing the United States: globalization, the revolution in information technology, chronic national deficits, and energy consumption. The authors propose solutions including increased savings, bolstering work ethics, enhancing education, raising taxes thoughtfully, investing in infrastructure and research, attracting skilled immigrants, and reforming economic regulations. They argue that bipartisan cooperation, innovative job creation, and a return to collective efforts reminiscent of The New Deal are essential for America to regain its global standing.