Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Civil service    4. General    5. Government - State & Provincial    6. Human Resources & Personnel Management    7. Local government    8. Personnel management    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Public Affairs & Administration    11. Sociology    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management    14. Personnel & human resources management   

Reviews (7)

Historical analysis as it should be written (well, almost)
I will start my review with what I consider two weaknesses of this book.
Intresting, but is it reliable?
Lots of good thoughts here, and an interesting historical account of the rise of various types of governance.Unfortunately, when van Creveld talks about things I know about already, he gets a lot of them wrong -- for instance, p222, where he asserts that by 1939, 'every American' was 'issued his or her social security card', and that 'the Dept. of Health and Human Services had been created.'HHS was created in the 1970s, under Carter, and to this day not every citizen has a Soc. Sec. card. the coming new world disorder
This work illustrates that Martin van Creveld is more than one of our premier military historians and theorists. It demonstrates a grasp of political theory that escapes most of the learned professors that infest the upper strata of our current pundits and political science intelligensia. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History & Theory - General    2. History: World    3. Political History    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. State, The    7. World - General    8. World politics    9. Constitution: government & the state    10. History / World    11. World history   

Reviews (21)

A true prize-winner

Wilentz has matured
In chants Democratic Wilentz went to great lengths to portray the Jacksonians as "co-opters" and subverters of "true democracy", which was pretty much the party line of the Marxist academic establishment at the time. Now Wilentz is accepting what many continue to reject: namely, that American history cannot be understood if one insists that it isn't democratic.Measuring political outcomes on the basis of pie in the sky ideals has always been absurd and reflects a profound ignorance of the nature of democratic politics and policy making.
Superband Detailed Survey of American Political Life from Jefferson to Lincoln
The Rise of American Democracy will, hopefully, raise interest in the relatively neglected period from the inauguration of Jefferson to the election of Lincoln in 1860.
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Subjects:  1. 18th century    2. 19th century    3. Democracy    4. History    5. History & Theory - General    6. History - General History    7. History - U.S.    8. History: American    9. Political History    10. Political Ideologies - Democracy    11. Politicians    12. Presidents    13. United States    14. United States - 19th Century    15. United States - General    16. History / General    17. Political structures: democracy    18. USA   

Reviews (4)

Completely Worthless
Caldicott has not changed.Her approach to nuclear energy is list some emitted radioactive isotopes of a process or perhaps some barely probable radioactive emissions.She neglects to mentions the doses are almost invariably minute, do not harm human health, and are way below radiation doses provided by mother nature.
Nuclear Power Is Not the Answer -- The Title Says it All !
Dr. Helen Caldicott, has written another incredible book!In her magnificent book, Helen shows us:
The Case Against
In this book Helen Caldicott covers a wide range of issues involved in the nuclear debate, the many core people involved, both pro and against, and the scientific studies available. She explains the history of and the technology involved in nuclear power in detail and discusses 'green' technology alternatives.
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Subjects:  1. Global warming    2. Industries - Energy Industries    3. Nuclear Energy    4. Nuclear industry    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Prevention    9. Public Policy - Environmental Policy    10. Public Policy - General    11. United States    12. Nuclear issues    13. Nuclear power & engineering    14. Political Science / Public Policy   

Reviews (29)

Zero Evidence Against Creation Science
Concerning the author's evaluation of creation science / creationism / intelligent design, he, attempts or thinks his sarcasm about laws requiring more than just evolution to be taught, qualifies as evidence. In other words saying things like,
For Us Beyond Anger and Remorse
This book is funny. This book is true. Why not five stars? Because I'm just not sure that humor will do it anymore. The subtitle to "F.U.B.A.R." is "America's Right-wing Nightmare", and that pretty well sums it up. Can humor really continue to assuage the destruction that this subtitle summarizes? Would humor have helped rational Germans put a stop to the Nazi party before that party had crossed an irrevocable line? Probably not, but the United States isn't Germany and Right-wing Republicans haven't quite become Nazis...yet.
an interesting take on American conservatism
"FUBAR: America's Right-Wing Nightmare" is a book in which the writers, Sam Seder and Stephen Sherrill, express their rage about the current state of affairs of America as relative to its current leadership as well as its tactics. According to these two gentlemen, the country's current state of affairs are messed up beyond recognition, rivaling even Watergate, the Great Depression, and Vietnam, in that it is revealed that the leaders seem to have plans to taking control of every aspect of the inhabitants' lives. I found this to be an entertaining, clever, well-researched and meaningful read. The only part that was not amusing was that some of it was true. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (George Walker),    2. 1946-    3. American Satire And Humor    4. Bush, George W.    5. Ethics    6. Government - National    7. Government - U.S. Government    8. Humor    9. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    10. Political Science    11. Political culture    12. Political satire, American    13. Politics / Current Events    14. Politics/International Relations    15. Topic - Political    16. U.S. Practical Politics    17. United States    18. Political Science / Government / National   

Reviews (44)

A reference for future generations
When future generations ponder how our government could take such an awful turn toward autocracy, this is the book they must read. Greenwald painstakingly and methodically dissects the current administration's law-breaking here. He begins by setting out his mission: to tell the tale of President Bush, 9/11 and the FISA courts--leading the reader down a path to just one undeniable conclusion, no matter what party one swears allegiance to. And when you are finished, you'll be left with a far better understanding of the issues than almost any of the talking heads on television (especially cable).
Greenwald makes a conservative case
I'm a Republican and I voted for Bush twice. Like the author, I did not want to believe that our president acted in bad faith or that he has made deliberate assaults upon basic Consitutional rights.But unfortunately the facts and the record seem to bear that thesis out.
Eye Opener
If you are one of those Americans like me who had only a cursory knowledge of the illegal NSA wiretapping authorized by the Bush administration, this book will be an eye opener. How Would a Patriot Act, though only 128 pages, is a tour de force. The book's simple message is this: Although the president has had the constitutional authority to wire-tap Americans without requesting a warrant from a FISA judge for up to 24 hours (and since 2001, for up to 72 hours), this administration deliberately ignored the law and ordered wiretaps without judicial oversight despite the fact that a FISA court judge has never denied a warrant request. The president's actions have eroded our government's system of checks and balances to a degree never seen before. It's a must read for any American concerned about the fundamental rights Americans have had for more than 200 years. It is not an exaggeration to say that today our Constitution and our way of life are threatened more than ever. This is a must read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (George Walker),    2. 1946-    3. 1989-    4. 2001-    5. Bush, George W.    6. Government - Executive Branch    7. Government - National    8. Government - U.S. Government    9. Political Freedom & Security - General    10. Political Science    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics and government    13. Politics/International Relations    14. United States    15. Political Science / Government / Executive Branch   

Reviews (10)

Obsolete.
Don't Bother.The 'US Constitution' has been obsolete since approximately 2001.Such quaint concepts as the so-called 'Bill of Rights' could presumably be of limited interest to niche scholars interested in archaic concepts such as civil rights and the mythical 'Rule of Law,' but are really of no interest in the modern era.

Perfect Pocket or Briefcase Reference
I have always been looking for a reference copy of the U.S. Consitution to carry with me.For me this volume is that reference.This volume is compact, well laid out, and contains no unwanted extraneous materials.

Great Pocket Reference
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States is a great pocket reference source.I would recommend looking into "The Heritage Guide to the Constitution" as a partner to this book."The Dec of Ind and the Con of the US" offers up no explaination of the Articles or of the Bill of Rights and Ammendments.This is why I would also recommend getting the Heritage Guide for a great explaination of everything.This pocket sized guide book is a great reference source for those of you who like to argue the Constitution around the dinner table.Just whip this little book out and you'll have the complete version of our Fore Fathers documents that created this great country right at your fingertips. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Constitutions    2. General    3. History    4. History: World    5. Politics / Current Events    6. History / General   

Reviews (3)

Fascinating, Informative Look at Food & Drug Administration
"Inside the FDA" is a thoughtful, balanced, and well-researched look inside the controversial and troubled Food and Drug Administration.Author Fran Hawthorne is an experienced business journalist and her skills are evident here.
Amazing book, although it misses one key insight
Far better and more balanced than any book to date on the subject. The book does an amazing job explaining the external forces tugging in all directions at the FDA without those shrill calls for "reform" made by so-called public interests like CSPI or misguided lawmakers like Hinchey out of NY.
Recommended for public consumption!
I found this to be one of the most comprehensive books on the FDA and its role in issues that affect every American's daily life. She really explores the inner workings of the agency and takes it to task for its failures ... a great job, too, of laying out the complexities involved in controversial decisions on GMOs, stem cell research, etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Behavior - General    2. Consumer Protection    3. Food adulteration and inspecti    4. Food adulteration and inspection    5. Food and Drug Administration    6. Government & Business    7. Government - National    8. Government - U.S. Government    9. Manufacturing    10. Pharmaceutical policy    11. Political Science    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Politics/International Relations    14. U.S. Departments    15. United States    16. Business & Economics / General    17. Business & Management    18. USA   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. E-Commerce - General    5. Electronic commerce    6. Encyclopedias    7. Internet in public administration    8. Mail Order    9. Mobile commerce    10. Reference    11. Business & Management    12. Central government    13. General encyclopaedias    14. Telephone technology   

Reviews (4)

Creative and refreshing approach
This book is a very solid, creative and refreshing proposal for new ways to look at Global problems. He modestly proposes real solutions and processes. These ideas seem equally applicable at the regional and local level where institutional change can be slow but problems need a response without years of debates and institutional resistance.

What has our world come to?
This book shows, proves and explains 20 of the major problems our world is faced with, which will become fatal/too serious after twenty years. Rischard has divided the book into three sections: the reasons, the problems, and the solutions. He gives examples of what we could do or what needs to be done, and why this is importants/what would come from it if we do not act. It is not a book for people who dont care at all, but is a good read for those who have enough motivation to help. Worth the money, although its not about the money, but the meaning is important: it's not just 'a good read'.

Straight-Forward, Understandable, URGENT, "Strong Buy"
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Subjects:  1. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    2. Environmental Studies    3. Future Studies    4. Public Policy - General    5. 21st century    6. Interdisciplinary Studies    7. International relations    8. Current Affairs   

Reviews (2)

The only textbook I've ever enjoyed
I'm a first-semester MSW student.I don't have a background in social work or the social sciences, so I may be way off when I say that this is the most informative textbook that I've ever read.(Mind you, I'd stil rather be reading something by Howard Zinn or Jared Diamind.)Every page teaches me something new.If it has organizational problems, I haven't noticed, because reading it is so engrossing.

Very poor text book
I'm in a MSW program and this text book was part of the reading material. For a text book, its poorly written. The book jumps from topic to topic and does not have a clear flow from one subject to anouther. Items are misplaced and the information is difficult to find. In my class of 25 student there was no one who was happy with this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    2. Developmental - General    3. Psychology    4. Public Policy - Social Policy    5. Social Psychology    6. Social Work    7. Political Science / Social Policy    8. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (3)

Not as good as I'd hoped
This book did not teach me nearly as much as I'd hoped.It gives a very superficial outline of a lot of topics, but somehow when I finished, I didn't feel like I'd learned anything.

a MUST for future law students
I have purchased a number of law-related books from Amazon, but this book is by far the standout of the bunch. It systematically covers all of the major topics covered in the courses offered at every law school in the US comprehensively, even explaining the case briefing process. This new edition incorporates actual case law, allowing you to sample the work done at law school before actual signing your loan check and taking the plunge. Dunham clearly explains all of the basic terminology and principles underlying the first year of law school, providing the law student-to-be a firm foundation and a peace of mind before starting classes. I recommend this book without reservation to ANYONE interested in law school or interested in bulking up on their knowledge of the substance and form of law in the United States.

First Interesting Textbook I Ever Read
I ordered this book as a requirement for an introductory paralegal course and was at first a little aprehensive about the books thickness.I started out knowing absolutely nothing about the law, the government, or the internal workings of the legal system.This book teaches the beginnings of modern law and the influences of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.The basics of many common areas of law are also covered such as contracts, probate, property, torts, criminal law, family law, and many more.This book teaches a great amount of useful information in an easy to read and easy to understand format.Plenty of possible real life scenarios are used as examples as well as real cases to help you dive deeper into the subject you are trying to grasp.This is the first school textbook I've ever actually enjoyed reading from.Key terms are boldened for easier reference and studying.For anyone interested in learning about a variety of beginning law topics, it is definately an investment worth making. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. General    4. Law    5. Legal Profession    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Legal System    8. United States    9. Business & Economics / General    10. Jurisprudence & General Issues    11. Organizational theory & behaviour   

Reviews (149)

If a Constitution falls in the woods when no one is listening, does anybody care?
I am unfortunately not suprised by any of the revelations in this book.It seems that the vast majority of Americans simply do not care what kind of scumbags claim to "represent" us.Unfortunately, I do not own a multibillion dollar corporation, so I suppose I do not deserve representation.Hey, didn't the Declaration of Independence say something about people not being represented properly?
Finally--an investigative reporter takes on the important issues
This book is a terrific volume for understanding what's gone wrong in America over the past 30 years.Unlike many best-selling authors, who spout only uninformed opinions and vitriolic ones at that, this guy actually does substantive research on his issues and helps us understand the deeper context behind them: the history, the players, their connections to other folks.What good is that you'll learn how much of our world is being controlled/destroyed by people and regulations that you've never even hear of or about.If everyone read this book and spoke up, we might actually preserve this democracy and live better lives.We'd understand what in our democracy and world is going wrong and have some ideas as to how to fix this.
You Can Count On It
Actually, you can't according to Greg Palast who challenges the results of the 2000 election in which he charges Jeb Bush with instituting his own style of Jim Crow laws to ensure that his brother would get elected. It's unique because time and again conservative papers and organizations conducted studies to show that Bush would have won anyway. Palast concedes that a recount of the actual votes would back that up. But Palast is concerned with the voters who were not allowed to vote, and the votes that were not counted.
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Subjects:  1. Corporations    2. Corrupt practices    3. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    4. Political Ideologies - Democracy    5. Political Science    6. Political corruption    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Topic - Political    10. United States    11. Political Science / Democracy   

Reviews (2)

Excelent book
A powerful and clear combination of theoretical and practical analysis of the regulatory work, with useful insights and tools to be used and developed.

re-thinking the role of government
Author Malcolm Sparrow suggests something so simple about the role of government that it's revolutionary -- agencies should be in the business of finding important problems and fixing them.Read more

Subjects:  1. Administrative procedure    2. Compliance    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Industrial Policy    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Public Affairs & Administration    9. Public Policy - Economic Policy    10. Trade Agreements    11. Trade regulation    12. United States    13. Laws of Other Jurisdictions & General Law    14. USA   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Political Ideologies - Democracy    3. Political Process - General    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics and government    7. Politics/International Relations    8. United States    9. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    10. Political Science / General    11. USA   

Editorial Review

In America, when somebody does you wrong, you take 'em to court. W. R. Grace and Beatrice Foods had been dumping a cancer-causing industrial solvent into the water table of Woburn, Massachusetts, for years; in 1981, the families of eight leukemia victims sued. However, Read more

Reviews (334)

Synchronicity???
Is this book, a worthwhile read, an attempt to close the book on shady goings-on in Woburn of the 1960s?Were some children in this case treated for leukemia using cutting edge techniques of the day,such as bone marrow transplants, and some of those children survived only to be tormented because of their unexpected survival?
Just a an ending, not a beginning!
This is a necessary book which does a public service by highlighting the repercussions of poor environmental stewardship. It does not, however, indicate the extent of a broader mystery behind the events in Woburn and Middlesex county itself, respectively.
An inside track on the legal process
Insanely detailed.The author shadowed Mr. Schlichtmann throughout the entire course of the case, giving the reader unprecedented insight into what goes on behind the scenes during litigation.I can see why law classes use the book.A must read for anyone going into law school. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1936?-    2. Anderson, Anne,    3. Boston    4. Civil Procedure    5. Contamination    6. Drinking water    7. Groundwater    8. Law and legislation    9. Legal System    10. Massachusetts    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Pollution    13. Sociology    14. Torts    15. Trials (Toxic torts)    16. Trials, litigation, etc    17. W.R. Grace & Co    18. Woburn    19. Anderson, Anne    20. Law / Environmental    21. Law for the lay person    22. Schlichtmann, Jan    23. Reading Group Guide   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Development - Sustainable Development    3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    4. Environmental Protection    5. Great Lakes    6. Lakes & Ponds    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Water Resources Conservation    10. Water Supply    11. Water resources development    12. Water-supply    13. Conservation of the environment    14. Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection    15. Political Science / Public Policy   

Reviews (32)

Disappointing.
I picked up this book after reading Douquet's wonderful op-ed piece in USA Today.As a veteran of the GWOT, I had hoped that it would be a serious piece of academic work analyzing trends and social factors behind why some people feel compelled to serve and others do not.I was sadly disappointed.Instead, the book unraveled into a highly personalized account of the author's personal lives and interactions with their friends.Furthermore, the back and forth style between the two authors at the beginning of the book drove me crazy.I can appreciate the fact that the author's personal experiences drove their perspectives, I just didn't expect that to drive the entire book.
We can avoid our progressive political polarization: reinstitute the Draft!!
No recent book on the war in Iraq has spoken more to the point than this: if we want to win this war against Islamic Fascism we must all pull together!! Serve our nation either in the military or in a civilian capacity as part of a National Service! Right now we are being defended by troops who are essentially "mercenaries" some in uniform, many not. We are dependent on Volunteers who justifiably are interested more in the spoils than in the sacrifices! This book emphasizes the needs and the means of shared sacrifice. We stand on the precipice of an abyss in which looms a divided, red/blue nation unaware that its lack of resolve to fight shoulder to shoulder at every level - social, economic and military against an implacable enemy who has already shown us his determination to die for a false cause. This book, written with enviable clarity, in non-scholarly terms can guide us to make the right decisions for a continued strong America!

Surveys the history, nature, and military policies that contribute to the military experience
AWOL: THE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE OF AMERICA'S UPPER CLASSES FROM MILITARY SERVICE AND HOW IT HURTS OUR COUNTRY considers c