Book excerpt: America is in crisis. Our democratic republic is in jeopardy, our institutions are collapsing, and our economy is failing many. The country is incredibly divided, freedom of speech is being challenged, and climate change is threatening our very existence...yet I believe there is a reason to hope. My book unveils many of our country's challenges in addition to providing working solutions. I am an average middle class American who doesn't live in the ivory towers of Congress, but who does closely follow daily proceedings of the country. I am giving voice to the many Americans growing tired of watching their country's democracy transform into an oligarchy or authoritarian type of government. As the deficit increases, and presidential lies become commonplace, people don't know who to trust. Corruption compounds. Hatred spreads like wild fires. Legislators' policies favor their donors not their constituents. Citizens need to voice their opinions in peaceful rallies, they need to run for office or support people who share your values, organize people to reject voter suppression, and insist on their right to vote. Americans will grow tired of watching the middle class shrink and the elite millionaires thrive. They will grow tired of watching the American dream become a thing of the past, rather than a part of their future. They will grow tired of watching the foundation their country was based on crumble instead of thrive. "Why America Is Losing Its Democracy: A View of Washington DC from Outside the Beltway How You Can Fight Back and Make a Difference" will help readers want to stand up and demand change to get their America back on course.