The Transfer Society: Economic Expenditures on Transfer Activity

Book Description

This book makes a significant contribution to both political science and economics in terms a layman can understand.

Customer Reviews:

Exposing the Hidden Costs of Legal Plunder and Socialism.......2004-08-31

Leband and McClintock surmise in their research that there is much more to U.S. economic activity than the producing of goods and services, and that group and individuals spend an enormous amount trying to appropriate the wealth of others (and conversely preventing that appropriation.) The employment of one's resources in such activity may be privately rational but social costly, because of the forgone opportunity to utilize such resources to create new good and services.

The authors recognize that measured gross domestic product often overstates productive economic activity: for the reason that expenditures on accountants, lawyers, security, and other economic resources in the wealth distribution process. These goods and services do not lead to production of goods and services that enhance the welfare of the nation's populace. The corrupted tort system, which was devised to recompense individuals and corporation for injuries is awash in frivolous claims and is itself a substantial part of the problem posed by the transfer society. Social Security represents a massive intergenerational wealth transfer scheme. All these things coupled with political influence peddling and so called corporate welfare represent the so called transfer society.

The cost to society of wealth redistribution and legal plunder is an often neglected area in the study of political economy. The social costs of coerced transfers whether realized or threatened is enormous and a substantial amount of the GDP. Restrictions aimed at curtailing campaign contributions and restricting lobbying have proven vain, and the clear implication is that political influence itself most be reduced.

The Transfer Society is a succinct little matter-of-fact economics text and in my opinion could be developed into a more thorough economic treatise. For having the research underdeveloped, I cannot rate it too highly. Nonetheless, it does a profound job at confronting the reality of coercive wealth redistribution in the U.S. The country has gone quasi-socialist and in desperate need of depoliticizing and liberalizing its economy.

In depth study.......2004-02-14

This book is not all that hard to understand. In simple terms, Laband and McClintock tell us that we waste a lot of money trying to avoid someone else wasting our money. It's not this fact that puts the reader so off guard. The fact that our society spends about four hundred billion dollars trying to influence two trillion dollars in government expenditures (about twenty percent of the total) shows what an inefficient mess our economy has become. This fact of wasted wealth should shock the reader. I couldn't believe it at first. The amount of research used is impressive and definitive. Though Laband and McClintock don't offer any serious solutions to the drain on the economy, this volume helps shape the continuing debate about wealth transfer.

Coercion Costs!.......2003-09-25

When the government robs Peter in order to pay Paul, they have to pay for the entire process of robbing: constructing laws, buying the guns, hiring more bureaucrats, etc. In other words, when government spends funds to redistribute income, they divert resources that could be used on more productive activities.

"The Transfer Society" is a slim but marvelous study on how much the government spends each year on enforcing the coercive transfer of money from one party to another. You may think that these forced transfers do not cost very much money -- and if one takes each transfer at a time, he may be right. But taken as a whole, multiplied by the government's long reaching tenacles, they estimate that the government spends $400B redistributing.

But if that was not enough, Laband and McClintock go on to demosntrate that this projected $400B is in reality an understatement; they cannot estimate the preemptive measures taken by individuals to protect their property from the government. For example, if the government used eminent domain to seize somebody's land, L&M's model would not account for the costs of one hiring a lawyer to protect himself from coercive government. Forced transfers, thus, waste a staggering amount of money that would be better used in productive activity.

This book is a timely economic complement to the moral argument against forced expropriation. The magnitude of the problem is exposed so convincingly that it should become a focus of attention for quite some time.

A refreshingly different perspective on new wealth.......2002-01-09

How much time, money and resources have been allotted to influence how wealth is distributed in this country? Over $2,000 year for every individual, according to this title. The figure doesn't represent the amount transferred, but the amount spent on influencing transfers. Transfer Society provides a refreshingly different perspective on new wealth and the process of distributing wealth within the government and private sectors. Intriguing and different.

The Transfer Society: Economic Expenditures on Transfer Activity .(Book Review): An article from: Independent Review

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The Transfer Society: Economic Expenditures on Transfer Activity .(Book Review): An article from: Independent Review
Edgar K. Browning
Manufacturer: Independent Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Independent Review, published by Independent Institute on September 22, 2002. The length of the article is 1128 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Transfer Society: Economic Expenditures on Transfer Activity .(Book Review)
Author: Edgar K. Browning
Publication: Independent Review (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 2002
Publisher: Independent Institute
Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Page: 303(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

This is the second volume in a three-volume exposition of Martin Shubik's vision of "mathematical institutional economics" -- a term he coined in 1959 to describe the theoretical underpinnings needed for the construction of an economic dynamics. The goal is to develop a process-oriented theory of money and financial institutions that reconciles micro- and macroeconomics, using as a prime tool the theory of games in strategic and extensive form. The approach involves a search for minimal financial institutions that appear as a logical, technological, and institutional necessity, as part of the "rules of the game." Money and financial institutions are assumed to be the basic elements of the network that transmits the sociopolitical imperatives to the economy.

Volume 1 deals with a one-period approach to economic exchange with money, debt, and bankruptcy. Volume 2 explores the new economic features that arise when we consider multi-period finite and infinite horizon economies. Volume 3 will consider the specific role of financial institutions and government, and formulate the economic financial control problem linking micro- and macroeconomics.

Amazon.com

One of the things most readers claim they want in computer books is real-world experience: "Don't just regurgitate the manual," they tell us. "Give us hands-on experience. Tell us how useful features really are--dare to break from the company line!"

How ironic is it, then, that one of the best "real-world" computer books written this year won't do a damn thing for your computer experience, but could well add thousands to your salary or save you from possible bankruptcy?

If you're thinking of making the break and going freelance--a dream many techies share--consider the MCSE Consulting Bible. It's a priceless resource that is stuffed to the gills with honest, useful advice on all levels. Want to know what sorts of psychological tactics you'll need to pursue if you want to be successful? Check. Need to know how to plan, bill, and seek new employees for your business? Check. Want to know what sort of clients you should seek out, how well your business should be doing by a certain point, and what specific certifications are desirable for what niche markets? Check, check, check--and this is all given with outside opinions from experts, and backed by the opinions of author Harry Brelsford, a man who is healthily skeptical about your chances for success. But he'll tell you, frankly and honestly, what it takes.

The book is split into essentially two sections. The first part deals with what it takes to be a successful consultant, and has separate chapters for methodologies, writing proposals, managing (and hiring) staff, retirement strategies, customer service, and garnering good referrals, among other things. These sections are written engagingly, backed by a lot of personal opinions. But to bolster those opinions, in every chapter there is a "Guest Sermon," where Brelsford finds an expert in the field and asks him for his or her take on the issue at hand. Also scattered through the book are "Ask the Expert" sections, in which the author responds to various e-mails he's gotten over the course of his career.

Most of this is very well written, except for the portions where he recommends using software. The chapter on writing proposals, for instance, offers some general guidelines on proposal writing, but is little more than a walk-through of how to use Microsoft Proposal Builder--admittedly, there are some sample proposals in the appendices, but it would have been more useful to see, say, a bad actual proposal rewritten into a winning one. Likewise, the section on project management is mostly a Microsoft Project walk-through with a thin coating of the basic types of projects. Anyone who's software-savvy enough to get their MCSE doesn't need tutorials--they need an understanding of what they need to accomplish with the programs, and here the bible falls slightly short.

The lack of substance in these areas, however, is easily outweighed by the solid information in other areas. Brelsford tells you how to think in terms of profitability and always have an eye for the bottom line--something many outwardly professional techies forget. And he's realistic, knowing that it takes a lot of money to stay on top of all the certifications, a lot of nonbillable hours to keep your skills well-honed, and a lot of erratic schedules to work effectively with customers from the frenzy of first installation to the slow trudge of occasional patch updates. He gives advice with the full understanding of the unique restraints of the techie professional, and tells you how to work around them.

The latter half of the book gets specific in dealing with various areas that MCSE consultants tend to specialize in, and here too the book is useful--though probably not quite as useful as the first half, since anyone with the experience to go freelance probably already has a fairly well-defined area of specialization. Still, it breaks down most of the major fields--DBA, developer, small business, enterprise consulting, dot-com, Exchange--and tells you what sorts of talents you'll need to have in order to make it. What sorts of tasks will you be expected to accomplish? What kind of personality do you have? What certifications are de rigeur? If you're looking to cross over, this book should help you immensely.

In short, this is a solidly researched and well-written career book that is easily worth the money whether you're looking to go freelance or looking for ways to improve your existing business. Highly recommended. --William Steinmetz

Book Description

According to the 1999 Salary Survey conducted by MCP Magazine, the average MCSE has 6.8 years of experience. The average self-employed MCSE consultant with 6 - 9 years of experience earns $85,000 - that's over $8,000 more than the average salary +bonus and benefits package of other MCSEs. There is ademand for MCSEs who can offer a variety of technical expertise and services, and this book will show readers how to create a successful consulting business.

MCSE Consuling Bible walks readers through the issues to consider when making the decision to start their own consulting business and then offers key advice on each aspect of the business from deciding what services to offer, to marketing, to maintaining customer relationships.

Customer Reviews:

Covers it all and says the unsaid things.......2001-06-28

I started my own consulting business and bought quite a few books. By far, this book tells you what you really need to know. It gave me the tips I really needed, not just the "philosophy" but also the down-and-dirty details. If you are looking to start an IT consulting business, even if you aren't into the "Microsoft-centricity" of the MCSE, this book has a LOT to offer. I am dubbing it indespensible for the IT consultant just starting out... AND those already in business.

MCSE Consulting 101.......2001-04-13

Are you a techie that has been thinking about making money on your own? This is the first technical consulting book that gives you all the information from A to Z in the MCSE business. This book distinctly differs from other consulting books by not just talking about how to be a consultant, but how to run a successful business as a good MCSE consultant. It is apparent that the author practices what he preaches and freely shares his knowledge and experience with the reader. Partitioned into "Finder, Minder and Grinder" routines this book includes a broad range of topics and touches all angles of the biz, which give food for thought in every possible direction. If you are a MCSE consultant or just thinking about striking out on your own, this book is a great reference, easy and engaging to read, full of useful information and thought provokers. My favorites are Brelsford's Rules of Ten, considerations of different market niches, a very well written sample proposal and tons of links to helpful websites. If you want to add value to your MCSE consulting, have a note pad ready while reading this book.

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analogies of geographic adventures applied to entrepreneurship

The venture adventure : strategies for thriving in the jungle of entrepreneurship
Daryl Bernstein , and Joe Hammond
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00005X32M

Book Description

The Venture Adventure contains the secrets to transform your business idea into a thriving company. For highly successful entrepreneur Daryl Bernstein, entrepreneurship is an adventure--an expedition into the jungle in search of hidden treasure. Filled with true motivational stories of prosperous entrepreneurs and famous explorers, The Venture Adventure presents a radically new perspective on entrepreneurship. With his positive, adventuresome spirit and his wealth of business experience, Bernstein offers practical and innovative suggestions that will help you to start or grow your business.

Customer Reviews:

analogies of geographic adventures applied to entrepreneurship.......2006-10-09

First, this is the type of book you have to read in a frequent manner one chapter at a time, because its analogies ar for reflections on the various activities you face while on your own.

I like the analogies of comparing your start-up activity as a adventure into unknown and potentially hostile enviroment. Its good advice told by those who are there and can look at those who have not stsated, but are thriving to start, in a helpful and practical way.

Wont say its life altering, but when you are there on your own, every bit of help helps.

Venture Adventure: Strategies for Thriving in the Jungle of Entrepreneurship

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Venture Adventure: Strategies for Thriving in the Jungle of Entrepreneurship
Daryl Bernstein
Manufacturer: Global Support Network
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FMCGAU

Book Description

Lifeskills For Basic Workplace Communication Skills Mastery Workbook provides an instructor with 12 pages of workplace communication skills worksheets ready for duplication. Skill worksheets include: Communication In The Workplace - Speak Clearly - Listening Skills - Ask Questions - Written Communication - Phone Communication - Differences In People - Respect For Others - Positive Communication - Communicating Appointments - Communicating Illness - Communication Review.

Lifeskills For Basic Workplace Communication Skills Mastery Workbook is great for review, remedial, and supplemental work ! All worksheets include a simple activity to be completed and all worksheets have a graphical image representing each individual workplace communication skill. Great for elementary students, special needs students, and developmentally disabled adults for lifeskills instruction !

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Transitional Workbook.......2004-11-30

Great instructional workbook that is written for special needs populations. Easy to understand concepts and perfect for supplemental use in teaching employment readiness skills. I highly recommend this workbook to special needs instructors and you can't beat the price !

Lifeskills For Workplace Communication Skills Mastery.......2002-10-22

Nice and Simple.......2000-04-25

This workbook stood out to me first, for it's affordable price. I needed some workbooks/ideas for a workshop I was doing. This is definately the way to go for a special needs group. It goes over the information and key ideas, then gives fill in the blank questions for the group.

Customer Reviews:

The book on about how to be in computer Maintnance.......1998-11-21

This is a good book about how to have the great futer in computer Maintenance and And work and job apportunities in the great fuature in computer, Copmpuets are the future of life.

Average customer rating:

Padding at its worst.

Computer Technician Career Starter
Joan Vaughn , and Learning Express
Manufacturer: Learning Express
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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The computer field has everything: Cutting-edge excitement. Lots of entry-level jobs. High salaries-increasing sharply as you move up. And a rosy future. This book gives you all the basic information you need to break into the field as a computer technician: the hottest positions and how to get them...where to find the training and financing...how to land a job- and MAKE A SUCCESS OF IT.

Customer Reviews:

Padding at its worst........2000-06-19

Though it's listed at 208 pages, my copy was only 168 pages long; of which, 50 were devoted to a list of training programs. No effort was made to rank the programs by quality or respect within the industry. If a book is padded at least it should be comprehensive, but the list of computer magazine and their URLs later in the book didn't even include PC Magazine! The section on computer repair in Paul and Sarah Edwards' "The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century" contained at least as much real information as this book and it's only 7 pages long. I suspect this book was written and published for a quick buck and I intend to avoid this author and publisher in the future. If someone knows of a truly useful book on this subject I would be grateful to hear of it.

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The Science of Getting Rich Action Pack!: The Essential Guide to Using The Science of Getting Rich
Wallace Wattles , and Larry McLauchlin
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General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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This book celebrates 12 of those great regional quaffs, some of which still exist as brand names under large brewers. Each chapter is devoted to the history, players, advertising, breweries, and, of course, the product associated with each brewer. All regions of the United States, as well as Canada, are represented. Brands include Acme, Ballantine, Falstaff, Hamm's, Lone Star, Lucky Lager, Miller, Olympia, Pabst, Rainier, Rheingold, and Schlitz. Archival photography, period advertising, and other breweriana have been sourced from some top collections in the country, illustrating how each brand survived and thrived despite such external factors as wars, Prohibition, and tax hikes, and the ultimate fate of each is explained. About the AuthorBill Yenne is the San Francisco-based author of more than three dozen books, mainly on historical topics. He is also a member of the American Society of Journalists & Authors (ASJA) and the American Book Producers Association (ABPA), and he is a graduate of the Stanford Professional Publishing Course. Among his beer books are Beers of North America, Beer Labels of the World, Beers of the World and the Field Guide To Breweries, Microbreweries of North America and an MBI bestseller The American Brewery (0-7603-1470-5).- Rare archival imagery from collections around the nation- In 1950, the nation's top ten brewers accounted for 38 percent of annual production. By 1980 that number had risen to 93 percent- The industry went from a high 4,131 breweries in 1873 to a low of 80 in 1983

Book Description

This book evaluates the challenges that agent-based electronic commerce faces as well as the opportunities that agent technology offers for conducting business electronically.
This book originates from a workshop held during IJCAI 1999. Besides revised refereed workshop papers, several contributions by leading experts were solicited in order to provide complete and competent coverage of all relevant aspects.

Book Description

This book analyses the economic implications of the most important regional integration agreement in Latin America, the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). Accordingly empirical evidence and theoretical arguments on the costs and benefits of MERCOSUR are provided and the effects of the elimination of custom barriers to intra-regional trade on trade patterns, product differentiation and cost efficiency are quantified. Other issues considered are the obstacles to policy coordination, in particular national divergences in income levels and growth rates. As an up-to-date and comprehensive study of trade flows and economic conditions within the MERCOSUR this book will be an essential reading for all those who wish to get behind the immediate arguments about the future of integration in South America and the prospects of further economic and monetary cooperation in that region.

Customer Reviews:

Everyone studing Mercosur formation should read this book.......2001-03-19

This book analizes the economic implications of Mercosur formation : costs and benefits in reducing and eliminating customs barriers between Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Very useful as un update and to undertand the prospects of future integration in this developing region.

Book Description

Economic sanctions have become an increasingly popular instrument of foreign policy. They have been used with increasing incidence to discourage or punish a variety of objectionable practices--such as terrorism, ethnic cleansing, nuclear proliferation, human rights abuses--by states and multilateral organizations such as the UN and NATO. Yet much controversy characterizes the debate about both the motivations behind the initiation of economic sanctions and the consequences following from their imposition. This collection of essays seeks to illuminate this debate through a combination of different methodologies and cases.

United States Economic Sanctions:Theory and Practice

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United States Economic Sanctions:Theory and Practice

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Book Description

The growing use of U.S. and multilateral economic sanctions -- and the increasing and controversial attention such measures are attracting internationally -- create a need for a detailed legal analysis of the subject and its policy implications for both U.S. practitioners and their counterparts in other countries. The expanding field of sanctions is especially worthy of close scrutiny as it generates significant (and often inadvertent) influence on finance and trade. Increasingly, lawyers and business people involved in international transactions must take account of the risks, both actual and potential, inherent in compliance with economic sanctions on trading partners. This major new work, a completely revised successor edition to the author's much-cited Economic Sanctions and U.S. Trade, shifts the main emphasis from the mechanics of applying foreign policy objectives to a careful and complete articulation of what those goals are or ought to be -- an approach that leads inevitably to a concrete methodology for assessing the effectiveness of sanctions. In the process the book examines such salient characteristics of the current and developing sanctions regime as the following: + the growing prominence of U.S. Congressionally-mandated sanctions programs; + the complex interaction of economic sanctions and trade policy; and + the marked increase in multilateral sanctions programs in which the U.S. is a participant. In-depth analysis of major U.S. sanctions programs (those imposed on Cuba, Libya, and Iraq, as well as several other lesser programs) presents numerous hypothetical but realistic international scenarios, demonstrating their working-out under the practical application of specific elements of each sanctions program. In this way U.S. Economic Sanctions: Theory and Practice provides the clearest, most explicit view of the legal contours and effects of this enormously significant aspect of international relations today.

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