In the pivotal exploration "The Cost of Winning," Michael H. Cosgrove delivers a compelling narrative on America's economic journey from the zenith of its power to the precipice of decline. With a keen eye on the post-World War II era, Cosgrove uncovers the strategic economic policies that once contained the Soviet Union but eventually sowed the seeds of internal strife. Through a meticulous analysis of five economic pillars — the Marshall Plan, free trade, federal income tax policy, the defense umbrella, and the oil bonanza — the book illustrates how these strategies fostered an unprecedented rise in living standards, only for the dream to falter amid the shocks of the 1970s. As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through the highs of American prosperity to the ensuing years of economic stagnation, where the pursuit of the American dream became increasingly elusive for millions. Cosgrove does not stop at diagnosing the maladies that afflict the United States; he boldly proposes a blueprint for revival. His vision for "American revitalization" challenges conventional wisdom, advocating for a dramatic restructuring of Congress and a radical approach to law enforcement and crime prevention, including the utilization of bounty hunters and a fixed penalty system for violent crimes. "The Cost of Winning" stands as both a sobering analysis of American decline and a hopeful manifesto for its resurgence, inviting policymakers, economists, sociologists, and concerned citizens to contemplate the transformative steps necessary to reclaim the American promise. This book is an indispensable read for anyone invested in the future of the United States, offering a unique blend of historical insight and forward-thinking solutions.