Economist Simon Johnson, co-founder of the popular blog, The Baseline Scenario, joined us here today at the AFL-CIO for a discussion of his new book, White House Burning: The Founding Fathers, Our National Debt and Why It Matters to You. Co-authored with law professor James Kwak, White House Burning shows why the debasement of our political system in the 1980s and 1990s has produced a dysfunctional Congress that perpetuates our debt-based economy.

Johnson, a professor of entrepreneurship at the MIT Sloan School of Management, joined us in a Q&A on his findings and analysis of where we go from here.

At the AFL-CIO this Friday, Aug. 3, at 12 p.m., economist Simon Johnson, co-founder of the popular blog, The Baseline Scenario, will show why the debasement of our political system in the 1980s and 1990s has produced a dysfunctional Congress that perpetuates our debt-based economy. (Be sure to RSVP for the event here.)

If you’re in Washington, D.C., join us at the AFL-CIO for a Friday book series running July 13 through August 3 featuring well-known authors discussing their new books on jobs, inequality and the U.S. financial crisis.

Jeff Faux, Tim Noah, Tom Palley and Simon Johnson will be here for discussions and book signings—and we hope you can join one or more of the events. Bring your lunch and get set for a lively discussion. Beverages will be provided. Books will be available for purchase.