Hartmann does a good job spelling out the thresholds that we are in danger of crossing. Namely the environment and our practice of using it like it's the last biscuit on the plate (grab it before someone else does), the economy and the fact that it has been made to serve our corporate oligarchy instead of the people on whom it draws its power, and the world's population which is expanding like a disease in a Petri dish past all hope of sustainability. He makes valid points on all of these issues and backs them up with historical examples that make reading easier. His path to recovery, however, reads like the Democratic playbook (Cap & Trade, Universal Health Care, Cut Defense spending). There are some good ideas in there, but it comes across too much like a campaign proposal instead of new academic ideas. We are past the tipping point on most of these issues and can no longer propose ideas that will make dollars for your cronies (Cap & Trade- How about just Cap?) or just build on the existing structure while offending the least amount of voters. Solutions are going to ruin some people's businesses and will be unpopular with many groups. A perfect example is the author. He proposes that population is using up our planet and that organized religion needs to stop dragging their feet on birth control all while cranking out 3 offspring of his own. These problems can be fixed, but it starts with individuals exercising self-control, not hoping government can bail us out.