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What Would Ben Say?: Poorer Richard’s America
by Tom Brokaw Tom BlairWhat would Ben Franklin say if he could see us today? For decades, Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack provided sage advice and commentary on eighteenth-century America. Now, a modern businessman reflects--writing as Benjamin Franklin--on what America has become.Federal and personal debt are ballooning beyond sustainable levels. Our futures are being jeopardized. Partisan bickering and the entrenched powers of special interests have made it nearly impossible for a real leader to lead. Where is a good American to turn? How about to the man who wrote this timeless observation: "A small leak will sink a great ship"?Ben is back! With his signature intelligence and wit (not to mention a good sprinkling of aphorisms both old and new), Benjamin Franklin, through Tom Blair, moves from the national deficit to Wall Street, from health care to marital bliss. The result is electrifying.
What Would de Beauvoir Do: How the greatest feminists would solve your everyday problems
by Tabi Jackson Gee Freya RoseEver thought about what Tinder advice Naomi Wolf would give you?Ever wondered what Andrea Dworkin would think about your Brazilian wax? Or what Mary Wollstonecraft would think about the 'fairy-tale' weddings you're always invited to? Using 40 everyday questions and problems as springboards for exploring the theories and concepts of the greatest feminist theorists of all time, from the pioneering writer of The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir to modern-day icons such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie What Would de Beauvoir Do? tackles all the important issues in your life through a feminist lens.From Audre Lorde to Roxane Gay, Virginia Woolf to Caitlin Moran, let the most influential feminists in history answer all your everyday questions, and in doing so shed light on even the most complex feminist theories.
What Would de Beauvoir Do: How the greatest feminists would solve your everyday problems
by Tabi Jackson Gee Freya RoseHave you ever wondered what Andrea Dworkin would have to say about your Brazilian wax? Or what Mary Wollstonecraft would think about the 'fairy-tale' weddings you're constantly being invited to? Ever thought about what advice Naomi Wolf would give you on your Tinder profile?Using 40 everyday questions and problems as springboards for exploring the theories and concepts of the greatest feminist theorists of all time, What Would de Beauvoir Do? tackles all the important issues in your life through a feminist lens.From bell hooks to Betty Friedan, Shulamith Firestone to Susie Orbach, let the most influential feminists in history answer all your everyday questions, and in doing so shed light on even the most complex feminist theories.
What Would HM The Queen Do?
by Mary Killen'When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.' - HM Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch and celebrated role model for our times. Examining such underrated virtues as duty, kindness and discretion, as exemplified by HM The Queen, Mary Killen has created a transformative guide for all who aspire to become happier, wiser and more adept at navigating life's ups and down with integrity and dignity. (We must always try not to swear.)In our throw-away fashion culture we'd all do well to follow The Queen's make-do-and-mend example. Sit up straight with a regal posture, and your digestion will benefit. Fit more into your life by following routines. Tidiness is a primary skill - as a small girl The Queen would arrange her shoes and sea shells into neat rows. To help with everyday anxieties we can study the mysterious but time-honoured techniques Her Majesty calls upon to rise above her own challenges. Packed with invaluable wisdom and insight, this small book carries a big purpose.
What Would Jefferson Do?: A Return to Democracy
by Thom HartmannWhen the Founding Fathers were searching for the best and fairest form of government, they studied the models of Athenian democracy, the Roman republic, and the Iroquois Confederacy and created what is now called a modern liberal democracy. Today, 81 nations can be described as fully democratic. Yet in numerous countries around the world democracy has failed or is tottering, and in the United States its principles are increasingly under siege from corporate and other forces. Americans pride themselves on their democracy, but today's legislative process often no longer reflects the vision of the Founders.In What Would Jefferson Do?, Thom Hartmann shows why democracy is not an aberration in human history but the oldest, most resilient, and most universal form of government, with roots in nature itself. He traces in particular the history of democracy in the United States, identifies the most prevalent myths about it, and offers an inspiring yet realistic plan for transforming the political landscape and reviving Jefferson's dream before it is too late."Hartmann has done it again. Passionately written and filled with original historical research, What Would Jefferson Do? offers important insights into the meaning and nature of democracy and what we must do to counter the warlords, theocrats, and corporate aristocrats who now place it at risk."--David C. Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World and The Post-Corporate World"A riveting and absolutely essential book for anyone who wishes to reflect upon and awaken to the real meaning of America and the hope it still offers to the world."--Jacob Needleman, author of The American Soul:Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Founders"A call to vigilance and action--to awaken the better angels of our democratic spirit and wrest our planet away from the corporate overlords. Infused with an optimistic spirit, What Would Jefferson Do? is a true 'patriot act' in the tradition of Thomas Paine."--Chuck Collins, United for Fair Economy, and coauthor of Wealth and Our Commonwealth"Thom Hartmann looks at the big picture and asks the hard questions. He's an important voice for reclaiming our democracy."--Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen"Thom Hartmann calls on us to take control of the helm and guide our nation back to its base of 'We the people.' Read this book for its historic grounding; heed his SOS for our future well-being."--Medea Benjamin, cofounder of Global Exchange and Codepink:Women for Peace"Thom Hartmann offers us an eye-opening view of how democracy is threatened. America needs this book now more than ever before."--Greg Palast, author of The Best Democracy Money Can BuyFrom the Hardcover edition.
What Would Keynes Do?: How the greatest economists would solve your everyday problems
by Tejvan PettingerHave you ever wondered what Adam Smith would have to say about you playing the lottery? Or whether Jeremy Bentham could cure your hangover (through economics)? Ever pondered over what Milton Friedman might get you for Christmas?By comparing and contrasting what the greatest economists of all time would have to say about 40 questions from your everyday life, What Would Keynes Do? will help you get to grips with all the important economic theories in an original and thought-provoking way.Includes such puzzling conundrums as:-Should I park in an illegal parking space and risk a fine? -Should I go to University or start working straight away? -Should I leave my children all my wealth after my death or spread it out throughout my life?-Should I ever commit a crime? -If I enjoy drinking beer, how much should I drink? -Is it OK to be selfish? -Should I vote for a political party which promises to raise taxes?
What Would Keynes Do?: How The Greatest Economists Would Solve Your Everyday Problems (What Would Ser.)
by Tejvan PettingerHave you ever wondered what Adam Smith would have to say about you playing the lottery? Or whether Jeremy Bentham could cure your hangover (through economics)? Ever pondered over what Milton Friedman might get you for Christmas?By comparing and contrasting what the greatest economists of all time would have to say about 40 questions from your everyday life, What Would Keynes Do? will help you get to grips with all the important economic theories in an original and thought-provoking way.Includes such puzzling conundrums as:-Should I park in an illegal parking space and risk a fine? -Should I go to University or start working straight away? -Should I leave my children all my wealth after my death or spread it out throughout my life?-Should I ever commit a crime? -If I enjoy drinking beer, how much should I drink? -Is it OK to be selfish? -Should I vote for a political party which promises to raise taxes?
What Would Madison Do?
by Pietro S Nivola Benjamin WittesWhat would the father of the Constitution think of contemporary developments in American politics and public policy?Constitutional scholars have long debated whether the American political system, which was so influenced by the thinking of James Madison, has in fact grown outmoded. But if Madison himself could peer at the present, what would he think of the state of key political institutions that he helped originate and the government policies that these institutions produce? In What Would Madison Do?, ten prominent scholars explore the contemporary performance of Madison's constitutional legacy and how much would have surprised him.John DiIulio Jr. (University of Pennsylvania) observes the failure of today's policymakers to address adequately the nation' s long-range financial liabilities.William Galston (Brookings Institution) examines the implications of the rise of political parties and the ascent of "direct versus representative democracy."Pietro Nivola (Brookings Institution) makes the case that the American political system actually acquitted itself comparatively well in contending with the recent Great Recession.R. Shep Melnick (Boston College) challenges the common presumption that the U.S. government is gridlocked.Jonathan Rauch (Brookings Institution) argues that America's political process continues to encourage useful compromise, much as Madison intended.Jack Rakove (Stanford University) ponders what Madison would think of the contemporary U.S. Senate.Martha Derthick (University of Virginia) contemplates the current federal government's extensive involvement in the concerns of states and localities.Eugene Hickok (former deputy secretary of education) discusses Madison's devotion to education and invites us to wonder how he might view the educational system's current condition.Lynn Uzzell (Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier) reflects on how Madison might have regarded the judicial role in resolving constitutional disputes such as those stirred by laws such as the Affordable Care Act.Benjamin Wittes (Brookings Institution) and Ritika Singh (Lawfare) look at the age-old tension between national security interests and safeguarding civil liberties.
What Would Madison Do?
by Benjamin Wittes Pietro S NivolaWhat would the father of the Constitution think of contemporary developments in American politics and public policy?Constitutional scholars have long debated whether the American political system, which was so influenced by the thinking of James Madison, has in fact grown outmoded. But if Madison himself could peer at the present, what would he think of the state of key political institutions that he helped originate and the government policies that they produce? In What Would Madison Do?, ten prominent scholars explore the contemporary performance of Madison's constitutional legacy and how much would have surprised him.Contents:1. Introduction: Perspectives on Madison's Legacy for Contemporary American Politics, Pietro S. Nivola and Benjamin Wittes2. Mr. Madison's Communion Suit: Implementation-Group Liberalism and the Case for Constitutional Reform, John J. DiIulio Jr.3. Constitutional Surprises: What James Madison Got Wrong, William A. Galston4. Overcoming the Great Recession: How Madison's "Horse and Buggy" Managed, Pietro S. Nivola5. Gridlock and the Madisonian Constitution, R. Shep Melnick
What Would Martin Say?
by Clarence B. Jones Joel Engel“What Would Martin Say? about the pressing issues of our time is a bold question to ask. To presume to know the answer is even bolder. Clarence Jones is one of the few who possesses the moral authority necessary to even attempt such a task. One that he more than accomplishes with a compelling candor and an uncommon grace and dignity.” —Tavis SmileyIf anyone would have insight into Martin's thoughts and opinions, it would be Clarence B. Jones, King's personal lawyer and one of his closest principal advisers and confidants. Removing the mythic distance of forty years' time to reveal the flesh-and-blood man he knew as his friend, Jones ponders what the outspoken civil rights leader would say about the serious issues that bedevil contemporary America: Islamic terrorism and the war in Iraq, reparations for slavery, anti-Semitism, affirmative action, illegal immigration, and the state of African American leadership.
What Would Marx Do?: How the greatest political theorists would solve your everyday problems
by Gareth SouthwellHave you ever wondered what Kant might have to say about your addiction to social media? Or whether Plato would be able to help resolve your constant arguments about what to watch on TV? Or if Hobbes would agree to feed your pet hamster while you're away on holiday?When it comes to the really important questions, who better to ask than the greatest political minds in history, with What Would Marx Do? Using 40 everyday questions and problems as springboards for exploring the great political questions of our time, this book will give you a crash course in political philosophy, and an introduction to the theories and ideas of the greatest political philosophers of all time. Includes questions such as:-Should I bother to vote?-Who should look after the baby?-Do you earn enough?-My car has just been stolen! But can I hold the thieves responsible?-Should I watch what I say on Twitter?-Should your children benefit from your success?-Is it wrong to want a bigger house?With quirky illustrations and intriguing and original takes on the biggest (and smallest) everyday questions, What Would Marx Do? is guaranteed to leave you with a better grasp on political philosophy, and able to discuss Marxism, Libertarian Socialism and Populism with ease.
What Would Marx Do?: How The Greatest Political Activists Would Solve Your Everyday Problems (What Would Ser.)
by Gareth SouthwellHave you ever wondered what Kant might have to say about your addiction to social media? Or whether Plato would be able to help resolve your constant arguments about what to watch on TV? Or if Hobbes would agree to feed your pet hamster while you're away on holiday?When it comes to the really important questions, who better to ask than the greatest political minds in history, with What Would Marx Do? Using 40 everyday questions and problems as springboards for exploring the great political questions of our time, this book will give you a crash course in political philosophy, and an introduction to the theories and ideas of the greatest political philosophers of all time. Includes questions such as:-Should I bother to vote?-Who should look after the baby?-Do you earn enough?-My car has just been stolen! But can I hold the thieves responsible?-Should I watch what I say on Twitter?-Should your children benefit from your success?-Is it wrong to want a bigger house?With quirky illustrations and intriguing and original takes on the biggest (and smallest) everyday questions, What Would Marx Do? is guaranteed to leave you with a better grasp on political philosophy, and able to discuss Marxism, Libertarian Socialism and Populism with ease.
What Would Nietzsche Do?: How the greatest philosophers would solve your everyday problems (What Would Ser.)
by Marcus WeeksLet the greatest minds of every generation advise you on the everyday problems in your life.
What Would Reagan Do?: Life Lessons from the Last Great President
by Chris ChristieWith the nation badly divided and the two major parties on a bitter collision course, what can we learn from America&’s last great president?A lot, says New York Times bestselling author and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie. In What Would Reagan Do?, Christie takes a fresh look at President Ronald Reagan&’s character-driven political instincts and deeply impactful relationships across party lines—finding plenty of compelling insights for our current national dysfunction. In each chapter, Christie spells out a lesson from a different point in Reagan&’s journey, then ties all those lessons to the national challenges of today. When Reagan turned from Hollywood to politics, America was at another breaking point. The economy was battered. Trust in government was at an all-time low. US foreign policy was an embarrassment, and Western ideals were facing enormous challenges in the world, especially from the Russians and the Chinese. Sound familiar? Enter a fading actor who would become the 40th president of the United States. Countless books have been written about President Reagan&’s strong conservative leadership. But Christie says few people fully appreciate the clarity of vision and subtle human relations skills that Reagan brought to the negotiating table and into the political realm. Reagan had a remarkable ability to find common ground across party lines—as Christie puts it, to &“compromise without being compromised.&” Building on lessons from his own hardscrabble upbringing, Reagan transformed the Republican Party and the political landscape forever. Two decades after Reagan&’s death, Christie shows how the life lessons of the beloved president are more alive than ever—and can restore American leadership again.
What Would Socrates Do?
by Joel Alden Schlosser"Socrates continues to be an extremely influential force to this day; his work is featured prominently in the work of contemporary thinkers ranging from Hannah Arendt and Leo Strauss, to Michel Foucault and Jacques Rancière. Intervening in this discussion, What Would Socrates Do? reconstructs Socrates' philosophy in ancient Athens to show its promise of empowering citizens and non-citizens alike. By drawing them into collective practices of dialogue and reflection, philosophy can help people to become thinking, acting beings more capable of fully realizing the promises of political life. At the same time, however, Joel Alden Schlosser shows how these practices' commitment to interrogation keeps philosophy at a distance from the democratic status quo, creating a dissonance with conventional forms of politics that opens space for new forms of participation and critical contestation of extant ones"--
What Would the Founders Say?
by Larry SchweikartThe #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of A Patriot's History of the United States examines ten current challenges. America is at a crossroads. We face two options: continue our descent toward big government, higher taxes, less individual liberty, and more debt or pull our country back on the path our Founding Fathers planned for us. But that path isn't always so easy to see. Following the success of his previous books, conservative historian Larry Schweikart tackles some of the key issues confronting our nation today: education, government bailouts, gun control, health care, the environment, and more. For each he asks, "What would the founders say?" and sets out to explore our history and offer wisdom to help us get back on track. What would really be compatible with the vision that Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and the other founders had for America? Written in Schweikart's informal yet informative style, What Would the Founders Say? is sure to delight his fans and anyone looking for a little clarity on tough issues.
What Would You Do? A Serious Answer to a Standard Question
by John H. YoderWhat would you do if someone attacked your grandmother, wife, daughter (or grandfather, husband, son)? Yoder explores the pros and cons of a nonviolent response.
What You Are: Short Stories
by M.G. VassanjiFrom M.G. Vassanji, two-time Giller Prize winner and winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, comes a finely crafted collection of short fiction that explores the tensions between remembering past homes and belonging in new ones.Weaving between wistful memories of youthful ambition and the compromises and comforts of age, travelling between the streets of Dar es Salaam and Toronto, the characters in these stories must negotiate distance--between here and there; between lives imagined and lives lived; between expectation and disappointment; between inclusion and exclusion. Throughout, Vassanji engages passionately with the intellectual and political questions that inspire him as a writer and a citizen, while always matching the energy of his ideas with the empathy and emotional depth he invests in his characters. As with all Vassanji's finest work, What You Are stands as a model of artistic integrity and clarity of vision.
What You Need from the Night: A Novel
by Laurent PetitmanginA powerful, intimate portrait of grief and radicalization that grapples with the conundrum of having loved ones we no longer recognize.After the death of his wife, a father raises his two sons alone. His bond with Fus, the elder, and Gillou, the younger, is a close one. But their town is not a place of opportunity, and it soon becomes clear that the boys are heading down different paths. Gillou sets his sights on university in Paris. Fus, despite his socialist upbringing, falls in with the local far-right group. Though he joins mostly for the camaraderie, their activities, which might on the surface appear harmless, lead to a violent confrontation.How can a father and son find common ground when everything seems set to break them apart? A sudden tragedy will force them to find an answer.Tense, sharp, and ultimately heartbreaking, What You Need from the Night asks what acts can truly be forgiven, and shines a spotlight on the forgotten corners of a country where white supremacy has taken hold much like in the US.
What You Need to Know About Voting—and Why (Legal Expert Series)
by Kim Wehle“Now, more than ever, Americans are realizing that their votes count. Kim Wehle’s excellent guide tells you everything you need to know about the laws governing our greatest right and privilege. A must-read, especially in an election year.” —Norah O'Donnell, Anchor and Managing Editor, CBS Evening NewsWant to change the world? The first step is to exercise your right to vote! In this step by step guide, you can learn everything you need to know. In What You Need to Know About Voting—and Why, law professor and constitutional scholar Kimberly Wehle offers practical, useful advice on the mechanics of voting and an enlightening survey of its history and future. What is a primary?How does the electoral college work?Who gets to cast a ballot and why?How do mail-in ballots work?How do I register?For new voters, would-be voters, young people and all of us looking ahead to the next election, What You Need to Know About Voting—and Why is a timely and informative guide, providing the background you need in order to make informed choices that will shape our shared destiny for decades to come.
What You Should Know about Politics... But Don't: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues
by Jessamyn ConradThe author presents a voter's guide to the major national issues and debates being contested within mainstream two-party politics in the United States. She offers chapters on elections, the economy, foreign policy, the military, health care, energy, the environment, civil liberties, culture wars, socioeconomic policy, homeland security, education, and trade. Each chapter provides brief background before attending to current debates. Breadth of coverage is emphasized over depth and, with the exception of some footnotes, no guides to further reading are provided. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don't: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter
by Naomi Wolf Jessamyn Conrad"Engaging and inspiring . . . Reading this book should make you want to vote.” -Barack ObamaIn a world of sound bites, deliberate misinformation, and a political scene that is colored by the blue versus red partisan divide. How does the average educated American find a reliable source that’s free of political spin? What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don’t breaks it all down, issue by issue, explaining who stands for what, and why-whether it’s the economy, income inequality, Obamacare, foreign policy, education, immigration, or climate change. If you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or somewhere in between, it’s the perfect book to brush up on a single topic or read through to get a deeper understanding of the often mucky world of American politics.This is an essential volume for understanding the background to the 2016 presidential election. But it is also a book that transcends the season. It’s truly for anyone who wants to know more about the issues, which are perennial issues that will continue to affect our everyday lives.
What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don't, Fifth Edition: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter
by Jessamyn Conrad&“Engaging and inspiring . . . Reading this book should make you want to vote.&”—Barack Obama In a world of sound bites, deliberate misinformation, and a political scene colored by the blue versus red partisan divide, how does the average educated American find a reliable source that&’s free of political spin? What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don&’t breaks it all down, issue by issue, explaining who stands for what, and why—whether it&’s the economy, income inequality, Obamacare, foreign policy, education, immigration, or climate change. If you&’re a Democrat, a Republican, or somewhere in between, it&’s the perfect book to brush up on a single topic or read through to get a deeper understanding of the often murky world of American politics. This is an essential volume for understanding the background to the 2024 presidential election. But it is also a book that transcends the season. It&’s truly for anyone who wants to know more about the perennial issues that will continue to affect our everyday lives. The fifth edition includes an introduction by Martin Garbus discussing the themes and issues that have come to the fore during the present presidential cycle.
Whatever Happened to Party Government?: Controversies in American Political Science
by Mark Wickham-JonesIn 1950, the Committee on Political Parties of the American Political Science Association (APSA) published its much-anticipated report, Toward a More Responsible Two-Party System. Highly critical of the existing state of affairs, the report became extremely controversial: before publication, scholars attacked the committee’s draft and suggested it should be suppressed. When released it received a barrage of criticisms. Most academics concluded it was an ill-conceived and mistaken initiative. Mark Wickham-Jones provides the first full, archival-based assessment of the arguments within APSA about political parties and the 1950 report. He details the report’s failure to generate wider discussion between media, politicians, and the White House. He examines whether it was dominated by a dogmatic attachment to “party government,” and charts the relationship between behavioralists and institutionalists. He also discusses the political dimension to research during the McCarthyite years, and reflects on the nature of American political science in the years after 1945, the period in which behavioralism (which privileges the influence of individuals over institutions) became dominant. Detailing APSA’s most direct and significant intervention in the political process, Wickham-Jones makes an important contribution to debates that remain in the forefront of discussions about American politics.
Whatever Happened to the Music Teacher?
by Donald J. SavoieThirty years ago, Anglo-American politicians set out to make the public sector look like the private sector. These reforms continue today, ultimately seeking to empower elected officials to shape policies and pushing public servants to manage operations in the same manner as their private-sector counterparts. In Whatever Happened to the Music Teacher?, Donald Savoie provides a nuanced account of how the Canadian federal government makes decisions. Savoie argues that the traditional role of public servants advising governments on policy has been turned on its head, and that evidence-based policy making is no longer valued as it once was. Policy making has become a matter of opinion, Google searches, focus groups, and public opinion surveys, where a well-connected lobbyist can provide any answers politicians wish to hear. As a result, public servants have lost their way and are uncertain about how they should assess management performance, how they should generate policy advice, how they should work with their political leaders, and how they should speak truth to political power - even within their own departments. Savoie demonstrates how recent management reforms in government have caused a steep rise in the overhead cost of government, as well as how the notion that public administration could be made to operate like the private sector has been misguided and costly to taxpayers. Abandoning "textbook" discussions of government and public service, Whatever Happened to the Music Teacher? Is a realistic portrayal of how policy decisions are made and how actors and institutions interact with one another and exposes the complexities, contradictions present in Canadian politics and governance.