Facing Hard Truths: How Americans Can Get Real, Pull Together, and Turn Our Country Around - Stephen J. Cloobeck

It's a great book and he should be proud of it. --President Bill Clinton Successful businessman, activist, and philanthropist, and 2026 candidate for governor of California Stephen J. Cloobeck applies an unflinching problem-solver's eye to America's most pervasive challenges. Cloobeck built his reputation transforming dysfunctional companies at the brink of ruin into performance powerhouses. In Facing Hard Truths , he focuses this proven business acumen on our most pressing concerns like immigration, crime, the cost of living, and the coarsening of political discourse. He offers sometimes tough--but always sincere--lessons learned over a lifetime of public and private sector experience. From his first job bussing tables in a small California restaurant, to his time operating a global hospitality juggernaut, to helming federal public-private partnerships, state agencies, and local organizations, Cloobeck's journey propelled him from busboy to boardroom. In this book, he relies on the action-oriented principles that drove his personal success to outline a plan that will take California, and America, from flailing back to flourishing. With a refusal to pander and a no-nonsense assessment of today's most salient issues, Cloobeck argues our country's ability to effectively navigate the future depends on a reaffirmed commitment to: Integrity Collaboration Respect for rules and norms Economic inclusivity A return to competence Putting others first Fostering of social trust In Facing Hard Truths, Cloobeck's engaging storytelling and straight-shooting proposals leave readers feeling heard, respected, and above all, eager to set aside political differences and get back to what really matters: creating an America that is more affordable, liveable, and opportunity-rich for all.