Product Description
An Air Force major is ordered to approach a brilliant UFO in his Phantom jet over Tehran. He repeatedly attempts to engage and fire on unusual objects heading right toward his aircraft, but his missile control is locked and disabled. Witnessed from the ground, this dogfight becomes the subject of a secret report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.
 
In Belgium, an Air Force colonel investigates a series of widespread sightings of unidentified triangular objects, and he sends F-16s to attempt a closer look. Many hundreds of eyewitnesses, including on-duty police officers, file reports, and a spectacular photograph of an unidentifiable craft is retrieved and analyzed.
 
Here at home, a retired chief of the FAA’s Accidents and Investigations Division reveals the agency’s response to a thirty-minute encounter between an aircraft and a gigantic UFO over Alaska, which occurred during his watch and is documented on radar.
 
Now all three of these distinguished men have written breathtaking, firsthand accounts about these extraordinary incidents. They are joined by Air Force generals and a host of high-level sources—including Fife Symington III, former governor of Arizona, and Nick Pope, former head of the British Defence Ministry’s UFO Investigative Unit—who have agreed to write their own detailed, personal stories about UFO encounters and investigations for the first time.
 
They are coming forward now because of Leslie Kean, an investigative reporter who has spent the last ten years studying the still unexplained UFO phenomenon. Kean reviewed hundreds of government documents, aviation reports, radar data, and case studies with corroborating physical evidence. She carefully examined scientifically analyzed photographs and interviewed dozens of high-level officials and aviation witnesses from around the world. With the support of former White House chief of staff John Podesta, Kean draws on her research to separate fact from fiction and to lift the veil on decades of U.S. government misinformation. Throughout, she presents irrefutable evidence that unknown flying objects—metallic, luminous, and seemingly able to maneuver in ways that defy the laws of physics—actually exist.
 
No one yet knows what these objects are, even though they affect aviation safety and possibly national security. The phenomenon has been officially acknowledged by numerous foreign governments. For these reasons and many others, Kean concludes that the UFO problem must be more widely recognized and ultimately solved through an unbiased scientific investigation. The material presented throughout this landmark book is sobering, unflinching, and undeniably awe-inspiring, and moves us toward a goal of properly addressing this worldwide mystery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (65)

UFOs by Leslie Kean
This book pretty much explains it all. How the government can ignore the fact that professionals have seen these phenomena, and try to debunk every single sighting tells me they have alot to hide. I definitely do not appreciate how the government treats people like small children who have to be protected from the truth. At least half of the public allready believe and know that there are much more intelligent beings out there other than us in this fast universe. When you have unexplained sightings by pilots, police, captains, generals, it's hard to debunk these professions that have pretty much seen it all. The government has become a nuisance from the truth rather than a teacher. Many of the people they are hiding this from have higher IQ's than the government themselves. Other countries have given their people the truth about these beings from other galaxies except for the USA who still denies them!

UFO's Exist-About Time the U.S. Government Tells Us The Truth
Simply, stated this is the most intelligent discussion of the UFO phenomenonever written!

Factual rather than Hysterical
This book is very interesting, and does not elicit that knee-jerk joking response.The reason is the author's inclusion of only sightings that are confirmed by very reputable high-ranking military people, or commercial airline pilots.There are no unnamed sources reporting unbelievable events.I truly wonder whether there will be any response from our government.

Completely Credible and thought provoking
After reading this book which is a collection of credible encounters with unknown objects, you will only ask yourself why doesn't the US take this subject seriously at the very minimum as a breach of national security.Ms. Kean makes very credible points as to why the US wants the population to think that UFOs are the domain of kooks and yet, it ignores the very real incidents that can't be debunked and perhaps the extraterrestial option is the only explanation that makes sense.One of the best things I've read on this subject in a long time.

aliens
very informative and does so w/out the hyperbolic prose written into so many books on this topic.

It covers what the expert eye witnesses have reported.

It has much credibility in my opinion. ... Read more

Product Description
Based upon a personal anecdote recounted to Gogol by the great Russian poet Pushkin, "The Inspector-General", also known as "The Government Inspector", is a satirical play first published in 1836. It is a comedy of errors that unstintingly portrays human greed and stupidity. The plot centers around the officials of a small provincial town in Russia, who have been informed that a dreaded inspector is soon to arrive. They mistakenly assume that the inspector is Khlestakov, an irresponsible, feckless young clerk returning home from St. Petersburg. The servility and bribery displayed by the officials betrays their fear that their misdeeds will be uncovered. This play, with its complete dearth of sympathetic characters, brilliantly constructed plot, and artful language, creates a perfect comic tension that unapologetically reveals the profound corruption of power in Tsarist Russia. First staged amidst strong objection, "The Inspector-General" has become one of the greatest of Russian comedies. ... Read more

Product Description
2 illustrations, 1 mapThe history of the American West is a history of struggles over land, and none has inspired so much passion and misunderstanding as the conflict between ranchers and the federal government over public grazing lands. Drawing upon neglected sources from organized ranchers, this is the first book to provide a historically based explanation for why the relationship between ranchers and the federal government became so embattled long before modern environmentalists became involved in the issue. Reconstructing the increasingly contested interpretations of the meaning of public land administration, Public Lands and Political Meaning traces the history of the political dynamics between ranchers and federal land agencies, giving us a new look at the relations of power that made the modern West.Although a majority of organized ranchers supported government control of the range at the turn of the century, by midcentury these same organizations often used a virulently antifederal discourse that fueled many a political fight in Washington and that still runs deep in American politics today. In analyzing this shift, Merrill shows how profoundly people's ideas about property wove their way into the political language of the debates surrounding public range policy. As she unravels the meaning of this language, Merrill demonstrates that different ideas about property played a crucial role in perpetuating antagonism on both sides of the fence.In addition to illuminating the origins of the "sagebrush rebellions" in the American West, this book also persuasively argues that political historians must pay more attention to public land management issues as a way of understanding tensions in American state-building. ... Read more

Product Description
The author of this book traces the evolution of OIGs, examining the history and philosophy of governance underpinning the 1978 IG Act, which created the federal Offices of Inspector General. He also reviews the growing focus on investigations and addresses the organization and institutionalization of OIGs. ... Read more

Product Description
Updated in a new 13th edition, this book is organized around a "concise and contemporary" approach that provides an overview of the American Political system and its institutions by using the constitution as its backdrop.

Free of ideological and political bias, this book is structured to engage the reader in a concise and stimulating way. Covering the framework of government, its institutions, the rights of the individual, and public policy, this updated edition contains both the the 2008 historic campaign and President Obama's first year in office. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Worst Support American Politics book
This book is being sold by Pearson for a huge profit to the publishers and author.At the same time, they are offering at best sophmoric garbage as support for the professors and students using this book.In 2010 they have childish powerpoints that are not complete but rudimentary.In an age where everyone is using computers they have no, zero, nada computer support of any kind for the faculty or students user.Do not under any circumstance believe what they tell you about anything being "ready." And please for your students sake do not order this book for class or for yourself.I know I am in this hole now. ... Read more

Product Description
Distinguished by its "myth vs. reality" framework, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, 9E encourages students to confront their preconceptions about American government and to think critically about the U.S. political system. Up-to-date content addresses issues such as the media, public opinion, the Supreme Court, domestic and international policy, education and environmental policies, and economic and social welfare. The Ninth Edition features full coverage of the groundbreaking 2008 elections.AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, 9E offers comprehensive resources for both instructors and students. As part of the Student Choice series, the Ninth Edition has been fully redesigned with pedagogical features such as section summaries and "CheckPoint" questions to help students understand material; a marginal glossary; and Focus Question Reviews that provide a point-by-point summaries of each chapter's main ideas, to engage students and help those readers who may struggle with reading comprehension. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Textbook
Great, I recieved the book in excellant shape and in a reasonable amount of time!Perfect service, I will be back! ... Read more

Product Description
David Osborne's 1992 bestseller, Reinventing Government, was a landmark book that identified ten principles characteristic of innovative, entrepreneurial, 21st century public organizations and governance. This essential sequel goes one step further, outlining five strategies that have the power to transform public systems and organizations into such organizations, thereby achieving dramatic increases in effectiveness, efficiency, adaptability, and capacity to innovate. In an age of disillusionment with public service, Banishing Bureaucracy offers inspiring stories of organizations that really work and provides specific recipes for effective change. Here is a road map by which reinventors can actually make "reinvention" work.

From Publishers WeeklyOsborne, a consultant to local, state and foreign governments, virtually started a national movement with his 1992 bestseller, Reinventing Government (coauthored with Ted Gaebler). Expanding on that handbook's prescriptions for decentralizing authority, benchmarking performance and competitive public-versus-private bidding on government services, he and Plastrik, a Michigan public-sector consultant, have produced an immensely useful manual for transforming unresponsive government bureaucracies-local, state or national-into entrepreneurial systems open to innovation and change. They amplify their five core strategies-clarifying purpose; creating incentives through markets and competition; improving accountability via customer involvement; redistributing power through the hierarchy; nurturing a new culture-with a wealth of case material ranging from Indianapolis's saving of more than $100 million over seven years to Margaret Thatcher's overhaul of Britain's education, health care, unions and public agencies to kindred programs in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. More ambitiously, the authors set forth a heady vision of community empowerment, whereby citizens organize as residents, neighborhood associations, nonprofits and business groups to run schools, housing developments and planning functions.

From Library JournalIn this volume, Osborne, coauthor of Reinventing Government (Addison-Wesley, 1992), and Plastrik, a Michigan political strategist, assess the "reinvention" movement and recommend five strategies to institutionalize the process. Using examples from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, they recommend clarifying organizational purposes, creating consequences for organizational performance, becoming customer-driven, empowering workers and communities, and developing an "entrepreneurial culture." The authors also respond to the growing criticism of the "reinvention" movement, acknowledging that the term has often been misunderstood and misapplied. Like Reinventing Government, this volume will fuel the debate over government reform. Essential for specialists in public administration, government officials, and informed lay readers. William L. Waugh, Georgia State Univ., Atlanta

** David Osborne, recognized as the pre-eminent public sector reformer, has an intensive speaking schedule throughout the country.
** Named one of the Best Business Books of 1997 by Soundview Executive Book Summaries.
** Over 200,000 copies of Reinventing Government sold in Plume, with backlist pace of 10,000 per year.
** Reinventing Government was hailed by Business Week as "the new gospel of government," and was embraced by the Clinton-Gore administration as their blueprint for streamlining government. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Sage sequel to Reinventing Government
In this sequel to his bestseller, Reinventing Government, David Osborne teams with Peter Plastrik to further explore the process of making public and governmental organizations more entrepreneurial by introducing businesslike practices. The authors focus on five strategies for fundamentally changing the way government works on local, state, regional and national levels, and give plenty of real-life global success stories. This organizational, economic and political tour de force is wonderfully written, and is never dry, academic or reliant on dense government gabble. In fact, it's a page-turner. We recommend it to all concerned citizens.

Osborne at his best
Although less popular than his earlier "Reinventing Government," Osborne's "Banishing Bureaucracy" has much more to offer. This book tells you how to reinvent government and offers many helpful examples. For leaders who want to actually DO something to improve trust and confidence in government, Banishing is the guidebook for you.

Osborne at his best
Although less popular than his earlier "Reinventing Government," Osborne's "Banishing Bureaucracy" has much more to offer.This book tells you how to reinvent government and offers many helpful examples.For leaders who want to actually do something to improve trust and confidence in government, Banishing is a book for you.

Great Thoughts That Did Not Take Root in USG
Well, the Vice President loved it and the President bought into it, but it did not make a difference.The National Performance Review identified a number of substantive objectives for intelligence reform, and theintelligence bureaucracy was successful in ignoring the White House.Isuspect it has something to do with one of the fundamentals:"Unleash-but Harness-the Pioneers."The U.S. IntelligenceCommunity can't stand pioneers unless they are spending billions of dollarson something really, really secret that has a high probability of failure. Reinvention boils down to uncoupling or deconstructing a whole bunch ofstuff, and then allowing the pieces to compete.It requires managers thatcan "let go" and employees that can "take hold."Aboveall, it requires openness and accountability....

Dilbert in Government
If you work in a school or another government institution, and if every Dilbert cartoon is one you want to cut out and post, then read this book.

Working in an absurd environment is funny on the surface but it also canbe deeply depressing. This books shows us how we can do something aboutit.

This is a handbook for fighting the good fight for the return of alittle sanity in the government workplace. ... Read more

Product Description

This convenient Portable Version of O’Connor/Sabato’s American Government: Continuity and Changefeatures all the content of the original comprehensive text split into four lightweight, paperbacks–Foundations, Institutions, Political Behavior, and Public Policy–plus new practice tests for students found at the back of each volume.

Guided by the belief that students must first understand how American government developed over more than two centuries to fully understand the issues facing the United States today, O'Connor/Sabato offers the strongest coverage of both history and current events of any college textbook devoted to American politics. This best-selling book provides the historical context students need to understand our government and the most crucial and controversial issues affecting the nation in the 21st century.

American Government: Continuity and Change, has been extensively revised to provide the most in-depth and current coverage of the 2006 midterm elections, the second George W. Bush administration, the Iraq War, and increasing controversies related to the conduct of the war on terrorism, including renewed calls for additional congressional oversight of the Executive Branch. The new edition also emphasizes the extent to which shared American values shape and affect policy and influence key political conflicts.

Customer Reviews (7)

Description given not accurate
I purchased this book under the assumption it was in great shape and no markings or highlighting throughout. In fact, the book had numerous highlights and pen markings throughout. This book could not have been sold anywhere but over the internet because of the condition it was in. If I did not need it when I recieved it, I would have returned it and bought elsewhere!

Very Good Seller; Very Prompt
This seller sent me my item in a very timely manner as is in my opinion a safe and trustworthy seller

Imperfect, but still the best US Government Text
I have taught AP US Government and Politics for 5 years, and in the course of reviewing most every textbook on the market this one is probably the best overall.

The previous reviewer that complains about conservative bias does not know what he or she is talking about.If anything, the 2002 edition tilts left overall, for example, to demonstrate federalism they reprinted a map produced by NARAL that grades states by the liberalism of their abortion laws.Over the course of the school year invariably my decidedly liberal northern Califonia students point out other examples of liberal bias.Some of the poorly written sections are naked attempts to address what the authors assume is a cynical audience, but that isn't a problem throughout -- it is highly concentrated in chapter 1.The overall attitude encourages students to question the system without being unremittingly negative.

The historical review that begins most chapters is sound.Many textbooks assume too much about student's prior knowledge.

The best part of the book are the data presentations.The map drawn in proportion to each state's weight in the electoral college is one example.Before I switched schools and over to this textbook, I had a bevy of handouts that took bits and pieces from other textbooks and I found that most of that "best of" set had been woven into the O'Connor text already.

It isn't a perfect textbook, naturally, but a good course in Government will have supplemental readings from a variety of perspectives to challenge and complement the main text.I found a few mistakes in the 2002 edition (merging Wesberry v. Sanders into Baker v. Carr for example) but overall it was reliable and far less slanted than John Q. Wilson, whose writing is more college level and intellectual but rather apologetic for elitism throughout.

I've been to conferences with dozens of experienced HS teachers and this text is well respected by people who have read it cover to cover and by those who have had the opportunity to compare it to other general textbooks.If what you want from a government class is to have your preconceptions reaffirmed, you can find a far more biased set of sources and enjoy them as you like.If you want a reasonably balanced and comprehensive introduction to US Govt., this is a good resource.

A top-notch Government textbook
I totally disagree with the other reviewer. This is truly a top-notch textbook. I have been teaching introductory American Government courses at the university level for 4 years, and I can honestly say that this is one of the finest introductory textbooks available. It covers all aspects of American government in a clear, concise manner that makes it very easy to read. The book is very well-organized, and it truly makes teaching American government a joy. Students will love it, and professors will be very happy to find a text that actually ENGAGES students in the learning process (whereas most textbooks just turn them off).

textbook!?
My instructor required this book for a college political science class. After having read and studied it from beginning to end, there were a couple of aspects that bothered me.

There is a lot of repetition, over facts, issues and definitions. Sometimes I would read the same passage 2 or 3 times, and there were times when the exactly same passage was repeated, as in "copy and paste". Some paraphrasing would have been nice.
The book also seemed to be focused towards those shocking moments in the US history.The 9/11 topic was overdone. It was brought up countless of times.The Clinton scandal took second place among many others.

It would have been appreciated if the summary would have been more representative; 4 lines occupying just half of the page (equivalent to maybe 2 standard lines) summarizing 6 pages is too short to my taste considering the amount of essential facts and concepts students have to remember. Back then I wished there would have been a glossary of the organizational or the authors' own abbreviations.I just couldn't keep track of them and eventually got lost and frustrated, especially in the last chapters.

It think it is weird when the graphs take sometimes half or more of the page when they could have been done on a smaller scale saving a lot of paper (and a lot of trees) and I also wondered why were there more pictures of GW Bush in comparison to the other presidents, candidates and officeholders combined. The writing style, in my opinion, could have been more concise and precise.

I was very disappointed for having spent more than $100 on a soft cover book that seems just fairly put together. ... Read more

Product Description
"A how-to manual for a local or state government that wants to redesign its budget to emphasize and maximize results" (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

Already adopted by city governments across the country, this long-awaited paperback edition puts David Osborne and Peter Hutchinson's renowned guide into the hands of all state and local governments facing fiscal crisis. In a time when cities, counties, and school districts are laying off policemen and teachers, closing schools, and cutting services, government leaders are increasingly desperate for solutions. The Price of Government is a clear, step-by-step roadmap for change, offering concrete strategies drawn from the authors' combined thirty years of experience leading and advising public institutions. Their ideas offer a new way to look at government spending-and a new way to think about how government should work.

"David Osborne has been preaching the reinvention of government since the mid-1980s, peddling practical, road-tested ideas for delivering value for the tax dollar. Now, with Peter Hutchinson, a former state finance commissioner, he's done it again with The Price of Government." (Washington Post) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Government Spending
This book offers a different approach for governments to prioritize their spending.It may not work for every body, but will provide a new way to decide where to put tax dollars to match tax payers priorities.

Easy Read with Great Info
This is a another great book written by David Osborne, with practical, yet out of the box ideas on balancing government budgets.A great process that can be emulated by public administrators to focus taxpayer dollars on the most important programs and services.It challenges administrators to go beyond hacking away at every program budget until all the programs are barely running on a shoestring and no one is getting the results that taxpayers want.

Relevant to educators as well as government
The PRICE of GOVERNMENT:
Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis


There is no doubt that money needs to be well-spent, especially when discussing money managers such as our state and national government officials. As a "customer" of this government, I'm looking for solutions, yet finding more problems. The Price of Government not only identifies those problems, but offers solutions. The premise remains the same- what are Americans willing to pay for the services that we need?

The authors review not only America's history of taxation, but introduce components from other sources. Such sources are countries where governmental systems are more effective than ours, and sometimes also citing an example of ineffectiveness followed by review and suggestion. Overall, this book is a valuable source for those who have an interest as to where their tax dollars are being spent. The authors suggest that all Americans should be more well-informed before they vote. After reading many reviews of this text, I believe the authors may wish to re-visit this idea. America wants results. There is a great deal of practical suggestions about moving toward a practical performance-based system. I believe that we are beginning to see this and use of the internet helps average citizens gain information we would not have had access to a decade ago.

What I especially enjoyed about this book was that it wasn't just shock and awe... we're going downhill heading for doom, etc. The authors state the obvious- that we've spent more than we have and there needs to be accountability for the money customers provide. I refrained from overusing the word taxpayer because the book does address ways to use these concepts in other arenas, making it a valuable tool not only for elected officials, health care and educational employees, but to business as a whole. The introduction jumps right in and offers a "prescription" to help save this sinking ship. In short, the authors compel government to "get a grip" on the problem, figure out how much taxpayers are willing to help with the problem, determine priorities and then allocate funds for those priorities until money is gone. Being in the middle of an educational administration program has exposed me to several similar texts. Often, reorganization is the focus to solve existing problems. These authors drew me in from the get-go, but the following quote sums up their philosophy well!

Native Americans have many sayings, and one of the wisest is this: "When you're riding a dead horse, the best strategy is t dismount. You don't change riders. You don't reorganize the herd. You don't put blue-ribbon commission on veterinarians. And you don't spend more money on feed. You get off and find yourself a new horse. "(Page 19)

To begin identification of the problem they look at demographics- an aging population with longer longevity and decreased population growth. In short, healthcare and social security problems have caused a deficit in the budget on a huge scale. The authors suggest budgeting for outcomes- determine what is really important, and then figure out how much it will cost and then buy it. I liked how they state to "use indicators that make sense to citizens". (Page 72) Often, schools report test scores but do not explain how they are interpreted. The authors suggest planning for outcome goals and including indicators of that success. They identify the difference between budgeting for Outcomes and performance management. The example of the child welfare agency being rewarded or punished based on child abuse cases solidifies the definite difference of the two. (Page 89)

In the consolidation chapter, the authors remind us that historically, American government reacts to a crisis through reorganization. Two examples sited are the loss of a child causing the child welfare system reform and Homeland security being developed after September 11th 2001. Reorganization is not always bad, but it not always what the organization needs either. I like how the book relates well to the educational system. Suggesting that schools be held accountable to achieve these goals set by the system would increase motivation to ensure child success. We are beginning to see this in charter school enrollment rising and some states having the option to voucher tax dollars toward private schools. The concept of "rightsizing" looks at whether or not the service is still needed, how efficiently those working in that area are doing their work and what can be done about it. If the service is still needed but time is wasted, for example completing tedious paperwork or signing time cards that the supervisor doesn't manage suggests looking at technology to streamline the work to be done.

Too often with new elected officials we saw their friends, companies and associates hired under their administration. The result was usually less than optimum effectiveness. Osborne and Hutchinson suggest competition to save the price of government from rising. Competition keeps prices low. To further stimulate effectiveness and efficiency, the authors suggest rewarding those involved. If the contractor winning the bid completes a job early and under budget, then a portion of the surplus goes back to the taxpayers while a portion goes to the workers as well. The authors claim that not only does this reward workers, but it improves morale of the workers and boosts the public faith in their government. I especially liked the suggestion they based from evidence of forgeign countries. "Shift public workers into private firms taking over the work... Require that contractors pay comparable wages and benefits..." (Page 161) These are but two examples, showing us that this could work. We could move public jobs into the private sector, without losing the quality of life they had established.

"Smarter customer service" is a chapter most of us could benefit from. It brings to light the things we too often do without question. In turn, wasting the company's money and driving costs up for customers. The example of signing time cards of people you don't personally watch was a perfect example. Yet, government needed to respond to a situation years ago in order to save money. Re-evaluate the needs of the organization. The 311 system empowered citizens while holding officials responsible for their departments. The quality must improve to improve the processes. The 311 telephone system brought performance data to a new front while keeping costs low through consolidation. By being more effective, costs are cut for departments, onto governments and maintaining if not lowering the price of government for citizens

They offer insight to many different aspects, focused on the key programs. They also offer practical suggestions and offer ways to deepen what they present, citing very good websites such as www.FirstGov.gov and www.irs.gov/efile.Systems working together will better align the system. The authors suggest in education of current employees for better efficiency as well. The focus should be on the results of the objectives, not solely the money, claiming the authors. They remind us to stay focused on the core objectives, as to not get lost in the activity.They suggest moving power into the hands of the employees, in essence creating "an organization of leaders" (page 322).

All in all, this book is not only very useful, but easy to read as well.

Engage Workers First, then talk about PRICE
Great ideas if anyone can find government workers or teachers who know anything or care about ...budgets.
Focus on getting workers engaged in the planning process first before introducing even the word BUDGET or PRICE of Government.
Also, using the terms PERMANENT and CRISIS in the same sentence does absolutely nothing except cause eyes to glaze over.

Sounds Good, but Won't Work!
The timing for this book couldn't be better - an era of skyrocketing deficits, an aging population (boosting pension outlays), inexorable increases in healthcare costs (fewer workers with health insurance, aging population), and businesses increasingly threatening to move elsewhere unless they receive tax relief.

Simply cutting budgets accomplishes little - as Osborne points out, it does nothing to improve areas retained. In addition, service recipients or proponents (usually providers) simply complain ad naseum until an opportunity to restore funding occurs (eg. tax increase or economic upturn) presents itself - thus setting the stage for the next crisis.

Osborne is also correct in pointing out that the most common budget "cures" are simply illusions - accounting gimmicks (timing "games" regarding outlays and receipts, fudging estimates, temporarily ignoring voter mandates), borrowing, and delaying maintenance.

At this point, however, Osborne goes off the track by proposing some intelligent-sounding changes in approach (eg. identify the results wanted), and proceeds to go through a lot of razzle-dazzle that simply ends up with "business as usual."

Using Washington state as an example, Osborne cites how a citizens group decided to focus on providing more early-childhood-education and implementing skill-based pay for teachers - neither a "REAL" result. During the last 30+ years innumerable education "improvement" programs have been funded, while progress has been non-existent - eg. scores by 17-year-olds on the National Assessment of Education Progress (the only unchanged large-scale test in the nation) have remained unchanged, as have drop-out rates. This, despite a more than doubling of inflation-adjusted per-pupil spending in the last 30 or so years. As for "skill-based" teacher pay, study after study has found that - after taking into account pupil differences - payment for EXISTING "skill-set" programs (teacher experience or degree levels) contribute little (only the first few years of experience) or nothing to pupil achievement. So why add another dubious dimension? If one needs any more evidence, consider the fact that most private schools only cost about half that of public schools.

Universities are another major State-level expenditure; like K-12 education, MAJOR overhaul (not rethinking budgets)is required. Since the early 1990's, professors' teaching workloads have been reduced from three classes per semester to two. Nationally, and undoubtedly in Washington also, the length of the academic year shrunk from 191 days in 1964 to only 156 in 1993. Meanwhile, only 21 cents of every funding dollar goes into the classroom - the number of non-teaching professionals (eg. counselors) has increased from 3 per instructor in 1976 to 6 in 2001. Returning to those recent productivity levels, substantially reducing admissions of the roughly half unable or unmotivated to graduate, and shortening the average 5+ years required to graduate would allow savings of about $500+ million/year in Arizona and it is assumed that similar opportunities exist in Washington.

As for healthcare, Osborne's Washington process suggested dropping coverage for low-income workers - an ACCOUNTING GIMMICK that simply transfers the costs to providers, and adding more clinics. However, what is really required is a review of incentives and other care drivers - eg. the highest-spending areas in the U.S. spend about 60% more on Medicare recipients than the lowest, despite access to care and patient outcomes being better in the low-income areas. A second problem is that healthcare providers are REWARDED for their errors - payors need to insist on adherence to quality standards. A third major problem is that care recipients have no incentives to conserve - Health Savings Accounts (allowing cashing out of any funds remaining from a set amount) do so.

Clearly Osborne's work would be more useful if it focused on outcomes - both good and bad. Associated with that should also be a discussion of benchmarking (staffing levels, compensation for staff, and benefit levels), and continuous improvement goal-setting that emphasize reducing waste and improving quality "Toyota-style" - keys to success in the private sector.

The "bottom-line" is that the focus should not be on the budget process, but on permanent reform of the biggest consumers of government funds - education and healthcare.
... Read more

Product Description
New York State Government: What It Does, How It Works is the first comprehensive examination of New York State government in over two decades. Robert B. Ward’s book gives readers a thorough grounding in the state Constitution, the three branches of government in Albany, and the broad scope of state activities and services. This highly readable text presents rich and valuable insights into the competition that powerful actors engage in to develop and carry out public policies.

The treatment of each major topic -- such as health, education, public safety, environment, jobs and welfare, and transportation -- starts with historical development, critically important given the Empire State’s leading role in the making of America.

Overall, the book sheds light on the reasons and the ways that New York State government changes over time in response to motivated leaders and the will of the people. It includes assessments of the State’s leading governors and other instrumental players involved in the governmental process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Must Read For Every New Yorker
If every New Yorker read this book, an angry mob might descend upon Albany armed with pitch forks and torches.

The first thing you will notice about this book is THE SIZE. It is enormous. Why on earth do we need a book so large to explain how the state government works? Well, it's because the state government doesn't really work that well and the author painstakingly goes through all agencies and countless processes to help the reader fully grasp the extent of the state's tangled web.

Ward accomplishes the near impossible in this book by breaking the state government into digestible chunks. He explains the budget process and who really has the power. He explains how entitlements work. And he fills the 600+ pages with such straight forward reportage, that you don't sense a political bias in the writing.

If you want to know how the State of New York operates, this book in indispensable. I truly hope Mr. Ward focuses his next work on the Beltway.

Not your ordinary read
New York State Government: What it does, How it works
By Robert B. Ward

Publisher: Rockefeller Institute Press, Albany, New York 12203-1003, 2002

Robert Ward, who has been involved in New York State government for over 20 years, gives us a great road map to what has happened in the Empire State politically and substantively in his book New York State Government: What it does and How it works.This readable, one volume work gives a great overview of the structure, purpose and implementation of New York's large government on both a legislative, judicial and administrative level. It is a nice review for those involved in government and a good beginning for those who seek to be in or who are new to government.Directors of associations directly impacted by government, new legislators and regulators and public policy students will find this a useful start in learning the somewhat complex way in which the Empire State operates and carries out its government mission.

As Ward points out, it is the administrative governmental structure, which has grown significantly since the 1970's, that carries out the nuts and bolts of New York State Government.Ward's premise that "the power of an agency executive with a vision, personal drive and the support of elected leadership can make an enormous impact on state government" is carried out in his summary of changes in the Department of Motor Vehicles. A State agency most New Yorker's must visit during their lives, Ward, on page 285 of his book, shows how the "bureaucratic ineptitude" of the way in which licenses and motor vehicle registrations were issued was changed by Governor Cuomo's Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner, Patricia Adduci.
The involvement of employees as well as customers combined with focused "executive support" lead to greatly reduced lines and improved customer service at the Department. In a more micro way, this example highlights how committed attention and creative thought can change the way the State administers its programs.This portion of the book also highlights how the Pataki administration continued these reforms through the implementation of several technology-based improvements.These efforts, at a minimum, have resulted in less waiting time at the DMV, and, in a broader context, prove how effective leadership and commitment can garner positive change in a administratively detailed government structure.

In the end, Ward's book posits, what is the role of state governments?A great question in a time when state government decision-making is beginning to dissipate.As Ward points out, the federal government's role in a traditionally state issue--- insurance--- has become more pronounced with the repeal of Glass-Stegal.The federal government's involvement in the lowering the drinking age and education are significant signs in the reduced role, based on the significant financial needs of state government, states will play in policy making and control of their agenda. In the end, says Ward, voters who care about these issues "should recognize federalism matters." In his concluding remarks, Ward gives us a glimpse of his view that, "perhaps the only safe prediction is that the balance of power will continue to shift.Governors, legislators, and elected leaders at the federal level will push and pull to control the policy debate.Such competition over ideas and political influence will serve all America-as long as an informed citizenry is a full partner in the conversation."It is difficult to argue with this advice.

For a good, basic understanding of New York State's government, Ward's book, New York State Government: What it does, how it works, is a good reference.

New York State Government: An owner's manual
This should be required reading for anyone who lives in, does business with or reports on New York State government. Ward combines a bird's-eye view, honed through years of thoughtful observation, with an intellectual appreciation for the nuances ofpolitics and policy.

Many have criticized -- with considerable justification -- the rat's nest of rules, regulations, traditions, politics and georgraphic considerations that so determine what happens and doesn't happen in New York. But few have taken the time to understand that there is indeed a method to this madness. Ward is among those very few, and his book is both insightful and practical. ... Read more

Product Description
This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1861 edition by Parker, Son, and Bourn, London. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Terrible edition
As you read throug the Prometheus Great Books in Philosophy edition, you'll find that 32 pages are missing. Although these seems to be a very enlightning and interesting book, you'll never know it if you read thisedition.I found another complaint about these editions in a review ohThomas Hobbes Leviathan. I guess Amazon should be more carefull about theirmerchandise, or at least inform its costumers of the problems. ... Read more

Product Description
For courses in American Government. Grounded in the most authoritative scholarship available for the introductory course, Government by the People is a complete introduction to American Government and the discipline of political science. It is built around a simple goal-- to make students effective participants in our political culture by making them informed consumers of that culture. This is the text that will help students understand why government and politics matter. With a new, engaging design and three new, compelling features, Government by the Peoplecontinues to be the cornerstone of American Government classes that it has been for the past 50 years. There is no text more reliable in advancing your students from being simple onlookers to knowledgeable participants in the American political experience. Available in 9 different versions to fit the specific needs of your course.Government by the People, National, State, Local Edition0-13-239149-XGovernment By the People, National Edition0-13-243441-5Government By the People, Basic Edition0-13-243442-3Government by the People Custom Edition0-13-239498-7Government by the People, Brief Edition0-13-157817-0Government by the People, California Edition0-13-239499-5Government by the People, California Brief Edition0-13-613193-XGovernment By The People, Texas Edition0-13-243443-1Government by the People, Texas Brief Edition0-13-613186-7 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good book, shipped quickly!
book came quickly and in great shape. I actually like this book too,it gives a good, contemporary look at the government, I may keep it after my class. ... Read more

Product Description

Take stock of the political dynamics in the United States with this concise but thorough introduction to how the system works, how it got that way, who participates, and what the possibilities are for further change. Cal Jillson’s engaging text provides not only a sense of relevance, but also a sense of how politics works and how institutions, systems, avenues of participation, and policies have developed over time to produce today’s political environment in the United States. Going one step further, Jillson identifies the critical question of how American democracy might work better, focusing in every chapter on reform and likely next moves in the continually unfolding story of American politics, one in which your students will play a crucial part.

The Fifth Edition has been carefully updated to bring the coverage and scholarship fully up-to-date. Highlights include:

• thorough, in-depth analysis of the 2008 campaigns and election results, as well as challenges the Obama administration will have to face
• increased attention throughout to race, ethnicity, and gender, especially as they relate to the nation’s development
• greater focus on the philosophical ideas and ideologies that continue to be central to American political development
• additional discussions throughout on political reform, to emphasize the ongoing potential for change in American politics.

The companion website at http://americangovernment.routledge.com offers students useful study tools to master the book’s lessons, including diagnostic practice quizzes, chapter summaries, flashcards, weblinks, and participation activities. In addition, instructors have access to password-protected class prep and testing resources.

Customer Reviews (2)

unexpected
When I purchased this book I realized that the description didn't really match the book I received. However, all the pages were intact and the only thing really wrong with this book was the bent cover. Nonetheless, I am happy with my purchse. (:

Great Buy!
This book was brand new, still in the shrink wrap. It was also cheaper than I could get it at the book store. I am very happy with this purchase! ... Read more

Product Description
A well-written, lively, optimistic book that calls for the transformation of technology in government from _lipstick on a bulldog to total information awareness._ This book is proactive in nature (see what these governments are really doing), does not call for a wholesale and costly transformation, and employs a subtle shaming of those governments that have not yet joined the 21st century. William Eggers's argument, conservative in nature, states that the world of politics would quickly and markedly benefit from this digital transformation in terms of a fiscal payoff, but a more profound change would result as governments become more transparent, more democratic, and more efficient. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent research, enjoyably told
I am half way through this book, but I cannot wait to comment.It is a fascinating piece of research and a marvelous work of story telling.It reports on real people and their problems with government, and on real people with exciting solutions. It is hard to believe, but this is a book on government that is vivid, memorable, and enjoyable. That's why I think it Government 2.0 will have a genuine impact. The book is a gold mine of ideas, but readers don't have to dig out the nuggets.They just fall into our laps. Frankly, this book could be the basis for a television series of exciting discussions on innovation. The scope of issues reported is quite amazing. Finally, although this is about the use of technology to improve government, it is written for policy makers and the general public. ... Read more

Product Description
Making an impact is easier than you think?all it takes is the power of one. AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY, 2009?2010, ALTERNATE EDITION, 14e is an exciting text that uses intriguing, real-life examples and hands-on exercises to engage you in the fascinating intricacies of American government and inspire you to find your place in the political process. As it presents concepts, the text offers specific ways you can participate in the process and make an impact, illustrating how seemingly small steps such as sharing an opinion with a local politician, registering to vote, or viewing a town council meeting on local access cable can truly make a difference. Issue discussion, comparison, and debate offer ample opportunities to sharpen your critical thinking skills, and the new edition also includes expanded coverage of the 2008 presidential election. The powerful online Resource Center helps you maximize your time and course results through quizzes, puzzles, flashcards, active learning models, simulations, and internet activities that enable you to put yourself in the place of political scientists when facing a political issue or decision. Engaging and inspiring, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY, 2009?2010, ALTERNATE EDITION, 14e helps you discover the importance of active, informed citizenship. Again and again, you will see that all it takes is the power of one to make a difference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

where's the book?
I ordered this book twice. once in june and Amazon took a while to let me know that the info on my cc that I used to pay with didn't go through. (Still don't know why) Then I reordered the book and it still has not come and my class ends on 08/07, so why do I need the book? Just give me my money BACK......

a text book
The book is fine. Not amazing but not amazingly dull either. It's a text book, what did you expect? ... Read more

Product Description

With an accessible, descriptive approach and an easy-to-use, three-part structure within each chapter, this is a flexible comparative text that is about 25% less expensive than its competitors.

Product Description

Known for the extremely student-friendly, jargon-free style of the two books from which it was made, the new American and Texas Government: Policy and Politics introduces the essentials of American and Texas government in a way that any student can understand.

Neal Tannahill’s American Government and Texas Government are offered together in one comprehensive and accessible text.  This new version features the same public policy emphasis that shows students the impact that government has on their lives, and offers the wealth of useful study aids and exercises to engage students in the course material and encourage them to become active participants in their government.  This new edition is published as a Longman Study Edition and therefore contains a battery of chapter tests for student study and practice.   It also offers the latest coverage of issues in both American and Texas government, including the results of the 2008 elections, immigration reform, and the challenge posed by nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea.

Customer Reviews (3)

Not Impressed...
Unfortunately I had to purchase this textbook for a government class taken this summer through a community college. To start--the design, layout, and typography of the book are deplorable. In addition, the book is strewn throughout with baffling non sequiturs (e.g. the first chapter dealing exclusively with the founding of the U.S. Constitution is littered with pictures of the Obama-McCain presidential campaign) and does very little to conceal its liberal bias. The coverage of material is adequate at best, and to add insult to injury, I had to purchase it at full retail price with overnight shipping to receive in time for the class. If you have any choice whatsoever in whether or not you purchase this textbook, do yourself a prodigious favor and look elsewhere. You'll be glad you did.

Not Worth The Money
I did not check how much the book would on campus, but i'm sure $77 was cheaper than the campus bookstore price. I ordered my book Jan. 23, 2009 and PAID $20 FOR IT TO BE OVERNIGHTED. Here it is Jan. 27, 2009 (night mind you not and I wont get it today in the mail either, so it wont be till the 28th till I get my book), and I still have no book! Make sure that you don't pay for anything to be overnighted because you wont get it overnighted!!! ONCE AGAIN I HIGHLY RECOMMEND NOT TO PAY THE EXTRA MONEY BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT WILL NOT GET IT OVERNIGHT! So, in the end i ended up paying close to $100 for me getting my book LATE!!!

great price!College bookstores are thieves!!Great Textbook! as long as it is the right one for your class ! LOL!
WAAAYYY better price than any bookstore on campuses.Houston Community College System uses Barnes and Noble to run their bookstores and they are a bunch of price Gouchers!!! I ordered this book 3 times, due to the first time Amazon shipped it to our old address.(their fault, due to me erasing that address and it still kept coming up under the default shipping address, always LOOK OUT FOR THAT ADDRESS UNDER SHIPPING!!!)the second time was due to me dropping the class and selling the first one.Other than that what can I really say, if you like the book great!If you don't really that's too bad, cause your prof does, otherwise you wouldn't be buying it now would you?One thing that I did learn, is there is an E-book version of it available through the publisher.the great thing about that is it is cheaper and you can do keyword searches to make open book tests and studying alot faster. ... Read more

Product Description
The best-selling book published for American Government, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY: THE ESSENTIALS 2008 EDITION enables you to experience the excitement that comes from active, informed citizenship. Bardes, Shelley, and Schmidt's text is known for providing concise, unbiased, and up-to-date coverage of constitutional, governmental, political, and social structures.Inspiring and captivating, the text's theme is the importance of informed active citizenship. AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY: THE ESSENTIALS 2008 EDITION incorporates current examples, the Internet, and other media to stimulate learning and excitement about American government. This truly interactive text gives you more than reading material--it gives you tools to become a good citizen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Item as listed. Thanks
Item was received quickly and as listed. Happy with service and will not hesitate to order from this company again in the future.

government book
Got the book in a very timely manner.Book had some highlighting in it but I knew that was a possibility as it was used.Would order with this company again.

Totally Pleased
This was the first time I ever bought a book online.I was taking a summer Poli Sci class and the book was very expensive in the college book store.I found the book on Amazon for an insanely cheap price.I bought it and got it within a few days. It was very easy.I was also very happy that I got it so quickly.Since I was taking a summer class everyday that past was important, but I didn't have to worry.I got it immediately.Thanks for the book!I got an "A" is the class by the way!

Great resource!
I had to purchase this book for school, but it's easy to read and doesn't seem to have any bias they way some textbooks do on topics such as government.The chapters are interesting and the authors give many viewpoints, not just one.

Fast Seller
This book was in excellent condition and I received it in just a couple of days.
... Read more

Product Description
Updated in a new 2nd edition, this book has an engaging visual design, an inexpensive price, and is filled with contemporary readings from blogs, newspapers, and other sources.

THINK American Government is informed by the latest research and includes numerous real-world examples. It allows you to apply current events directly into your studies with little additional work–and at less than half the cost of a traditional book. ... Read more

Product Description
With new engaging features and as part of the Wadsworth Advantage Series, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY: BRIEF EDITION, 2008-2009 highlights today's controversial issues and shows how you can become involved in American government and make a difference as an active, informed citizen. Praised for its balanced and up-to-the-minute coverage, this book focuses on the fundamentals -- the constitutional, governmental, political, social, and economic structures and processes that are the core of American government. The text also includes coverage of policy and analysis issues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Trustworthy
I was completely satisfied with the book. It was in very good condition just like they said. I would definitely shop with them again. Shipping arrived on time just like the shipping rates estimated.

great service!
I really appreciate how quickly this book arrived! It also was in really good quality--just like they said it would be! I usually don't write reviews but I definitely felt the need to write a good one this time!

american goverment
did not send the book on time and sent a threating email after three emials were sent by me

Pol Sci Book
Is was a book for class so there's not much to comment. i got exactly what i ordered and it was brand new. It arrived in the time promised. so i am a satisfied customer. The book is actually a great book. its short and concise.

Excellent Resource Material for any College Government Class!
American Government and Politics Today explains the entire process of government from it's earliest roots to modern day times. It explains why and what an electoral college is. It has clear cut definitions on the sides of the pages making vocabulary work extremely easy. It has interesting tidbits about the history of politics, lobbyists, and the two party system. I found the text to be comfortable to read as a bit of light reading and this book has been beyond value to my Government class studies. If you are looking for
a good reference book, whether or not you need it as a required textbook for
a government class or not, I'd recommend this book. It would help any government classes or political science you take in the future. ... Read more