Americans love a good story, and if it’s a tall tale, all the better. But the stories we tell about our own history are often incomplete – at best – or outright deceptions at worst.

A new book from an Oregon-born reporter outlines what he says actually happened to the middle class over the past half century – the truth, lies and omissions by our political leaders -- and explains why a true economic recovery and rebirth of the middle class will require more opportunities for women and people of color first and foremost.

On this episode, Jim Tankersley, who covers the economic and tax policy for the New York Times, talks about his new book – “The Riches of This Land.”

Tankersley grew up in McMinnville and was a reporter for The Oregonian before landing in Washington DC, where he has worked for the Washington Post, Vox and now the Times.

He will be appearing, virtually, at Powell's August 19.

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