Ending Poverty As We Know It: Guaranteeing a Right to a Job at a Living Wage

Book Description

In cities and counties across the country Americans are asserting their right to a job at a living wage. This campaign has been built around the idea that those who work full time are entitled to live above the real poverty line. Professor and public interest lawyer William Quigley, who helped lead the fight to give the workers of New Orleans a raise, presents the moral case for doing so, and argues that Americans should codify the right to a job at a living wage in the Constitution.

Customer Reviews:

Passing an amendment to end poverty.......2003-12-28

While I would like to see everyone in America able to achieve a good job at a wage that feeds their family and houses them comfortably, the facts of economics fight against this dream. Creating a Constitutional Amendment to guarantee a right to a good-paying job is foolish in the face of the basic economic laws of supply and demand. Someone supplies a job based on their need for the labor; someone agrees to do the job based on their willingness to work and their need for money, and the number of competitors willing to do such work and qualified to do the work. While I nearly cried when I visited the Tenement Museum of the Lower East Side of New York, and while I believe in the reforms that moved workers out of sweatshops, sweatshops still exist and immigrants coming legally or illegally to the US are doing labor for less than minimum wage. Why? Because they need the money, and the competition abroad from lower wage earners make our minimum wage unprofitable for business.

How do we bridge the gap between low cost foreign work (where even high-tech and skilled jobs are flowing) and our own cost of living, which is admittedly high? This book has NONE of the answers. Merely passing a law cannot push back the massive forces of economics. The author suggests Lester Thurow's solution of a massive government jobs program. The last time this was tried, it created sinecures for those privileged to land a government program job, and didn't teach anyone marketable skills. Even HeadStart is paying low wages to teachers, neither improving their skills or improving the readiness of the hapless client children who are supposed to be getting an education from this low-paid government job holders. There are countless examples of why what Dr. Quigley suggests has already failed, and passing a Constitutional Amendment is just another brick on the way to a failed socialistic system that costs the American worker a percentage of what they earn and throws it away on those who don't produce (the bureaucrats and their clientele that are not meeting market needs.)

Why don't we find a way to make American products and services in demand, free up business to fuel an economy with high demand for all labor services? Remember when unemployment was so low, jobs went begging? It was barely five years ago. We can have that again, and have even the poorest able to find work at more than minimum wage. But not this way.

Noble Cause, Arguments Insufficient.......2003-09-01

It's an enticing proposition: eliminate poverty as we know it, simply by giving everyone the right to a job and a living wage. But is it valid? This is the question I kept asking as I made my way from chapter to chapter.

A key problem Quigley doesn't even address: the globalization of labor. It's not just low-skilled manufacturing jobs that American companies outsource to China et al. nowadays. It's white collar desk jobs too; highly educated Indians gladly take $5,000/year for a job that would cost $50,000 in the US. It's a king's ransom for them, but for us, it's illegally below minimum wage. This is a problematic anomaly which stands as a major threat to America's economy. If we implemented Quigley's constitutional amendment, the threat might loom closer still. The author's utter silence here was most disappointing.

Despite that lapse, I recommend a reading. Its diverse facts and figures, while often repetitive, can be eye-opening. The numbers suggest we pay for poverty one way or another. At present, we subsidize parasitic employers and grant wealthy corporations obscenely generous loopholes. Redeploying our public assets to help the less fortunate into dignified employment might be a good idea. I smile at the simple beauty of it.

Ending Poverty as we Know It.......2003-08-27

The book is a unique compilation of information that cogently makes the case that poverty is largely misunderstood by the non-poor, mis-diagnosed by politicians and pundits, and the remedies usually prescribed are nearly always nostrums and panaceas which only add misery to the miserable.

The book lists commonly held but untrue myths about poverty and poor people, and gives evidence that such attitudes are the heritage of English law established nearly 500 years ago and carried forward into the colonies and later states. Think of "Oliver Twist" and the social norms and attitudes toward poor people of that time - that's out heritage.

The book is a comprehensive deflation of the overwrought fear mongering, character assination, and easy dismissal of the poor. It proposes a down to earth, realistic focus on and admission thatlow wages are the root cause of most poverty in America today. The author, Bill Quigley proposes adoption of a constitutional amendment to establish a right to a job that pays a living wage to all Americans who can work. Polly Anna? That's what was said about Child labor laws, minimum wage, mandatory overtime pay, social security and many other rights and protections we now take for granted. Additionally, the book details the cost of poverty to Americans, who in truth are now subsidizing commercial enterprises. That subsidy comes by way of their taxes, used to supplement the income and the survival of workers paid so little that they and their children cannot live without "public assistance". Most poor work!

If you are opposed to the concept, I urge you to read the book nonetheless, if only to know more about how history has shaped our views, prejudices and laws dealing with poverty issues and the poor. If you have a better answer to reducing poverty and its costs - go for it!! But learn a little reality before you define the problem. Read this book.

Note from Author.......2003-08-25

Two people that I respect very much have this to say about this book.
Lani Guinier, Harvard Law Prof and co-author of Miner's Canary says:
ýBill Quigley draws on the common sense of Thomas Paine, the moral inspiration of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the political wisdom of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to issue a bold challenge for our society: to guarantee people who want to work the right to a job at a living wage. In a brave and witty book that is both visionary and practical, Quigley reminds us that if once-radical ideas like social security and the abolition of slavery can become realities, then the current partnership between poverty and work can be upended too.ý
Sr. Helen Prejean, social activist and author of Dead Man Walking says: "Bill Quigley's book makes us believe that America can really change for the better and provide a decent job and a fair wage to hard-working families. This is a very important book. Bill brings a lifeteim of knowledge and commitment to this; and he really shows us, step by step, how it can be done."
This book points out that over 45 million people in the US live in poverty. Over 30 million work and earn less than $8.20 an hour and another 15 million people are either out of work or working part-time and would like to be working full-time. I review the real facts and stories about poverty in the US today, especially among the working poor. After reviewing our history and surprising public and religious support for the right to a job and the right to a living wage, I call for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing every person the right to a job at a living wage.
Hope this helps explain what it is about. Peace!

Amazon.com

Online security investigator and research scientist Anup Ghosh takes a realistic look at the state of security for electronic commerce. He is neither a Pollyanna believing that all is fine, nor a doomsayer predicting catastrophe for transactions lacking virtual plate armor. In fact, he feels that some levels of security are excessive. But he emphasizes that any security system is only as strong as its weakest point. If you're going to trust your money to online transactions, you need to know where your weaknesses lie and how to correct them.

To that end, Ghosh discusses real-life security failures, how they occurred, and how recurrences can be prevented. He then takes a systematic look at the areas of risk. One chapter deals with potential problems in active Web content, such as Java applets, ActiveX controls, and push technology. He examines data protocols to secure transactions with the warning that the data can be vulnerable before and after the secure transmission. The weaknesses of server hardware and software come under scrutiny as well. Ghosh calls for greater attention to security as software is being developed and looks at what advances are likely to be coming down the road. --Elizabeth Lewis

Book Description

"This is a very important book . . . mandatory reading for anyone thinking about getting into e-commerce."-Peter G. Neumann Moderator of the Risks Forum and author of Computer Related Risks

The World Wide Web is changing the way the world engages in business. With this paradigm shift comes uncertainty about how secure e-commerce transactions are over an inherently insecure medium-the Internet. Businesses have learned the hard way that there is no "silver bullet" solution-not encryption, not firewalls, not even secure protocols. Like a chain, the security of e-commerce is only as strong as its weakest link.

Written by security expert Anup K. Ghosh, E-Commerce Security highlights the weak links and provides best defenses for individuals and enterprises connected to the Internet. This valuable guide addresses vulnerabilities in four essential components of electronic commerce-the data transport protocol, Web server, Web clients, and the network server operating system.

E-Commerce Security:
* Exposes the dangers of new Internet innovations in today's Web browsers, including push technology and desktop integration with the Internet
* Methodically explains the dangers of active content programs downloaded from Web sites, such as Java applets, ActiveX controls, and JavaScript
* Provides a comparison of different secure protocols for e-commerce, including digital cash protocols used in smart cards
* Presents security considerations for Web servers, online databases, and server-side application software
* Details shortcomings in firewall technology and other host security measures.

Visit our website at www.wiley.com/compbooks/

Visit this book's companion website at www.rstcorp.com/EC-security.html.

Customer Reviews:

well organized and well written.......2001-03-28

This is an outstanding book--well organized and well written, it serves as an introduction as well as review.

Highly recommended for beginners because it is very easy to understand and a brilliant introduction to e-commerce security issues. Also highly recommended for experienced users, as it provides a good overview in a concise manner.

great overview of the security issues for internet commerce.......1999-03-16

This book is an excellent overview of the fundamental problems that need to be solved in order to build a secure internet-commerce system. It covers client-, server-, protocol-, and OS- related security holes and pitfalls. The author did a very good job of both painting the broad picture as well as giving concrete, real-world examples. I'm new to the e-commerce domain and this book did an excellent job of introducing me to the manifold pitfalls awaiting the unaware. I also very much liked how the author recommended concrete but general steps to take in order to avoid or minimize each category of vulnerability which he identified. A fascinating book on a fascinating topic.

An overall.......1998-12-21

A very good starting book to understand the security aspects of e-commence. Correct views(e.g. The auther emphasized the importantance of the security of two communication ends) and moderate knowledge.

Good coverage of Web-related e-commerce security issues.......1998-11-28

The title is ever so slightly misleading in that the topic is not electronic commerce as a whole, but the (admittedly most popular) Web segment of it. However, within this limit, the book does provide solid coverage and good advice for a whole range of issues.

Chapter one is a general introduction to the factors involved, looking at some recent "attacks" of various types, and then reviewing the client, transport, server, and operating system components to be examined in the remainder of the book. Client (generally browser) flaws are covered thoroughly in chapter two. The breadth of coverage even includes mention of topics such as the concern for privacy considerations with cookies. Active content is the major concern, with an excellent discussion of ActiveX (entitled "ActiveX [In]security"), a reasonably detailed review of the Java security model, and a look at JavaScript. Unfortunately, very little of this touches directly on e-commerce as such, except insofar as insecure client technology is going to make e-commerce a harder sell to the general public. While covering the transport of transaction information, in chapter three, Ghosh makes an interesting distinction between stored account systems (where you want to secure the transmission of identification data) and stored value systems (where the data, once transmitted, is useless to an eavesdropper). Many books concentrate on either channel security or electronic cash systems, so this comparison is instructive.

A server involves multiple programs, and may involve multiple machines. Server security can quickly become complex, and this is quite evident in chapter four. While a great deal of useful and thought-provoking information is presented, the complicated nature of the undertaking works against this chapter. Not all topics are dealt with thoroughly, or as well as the previous material was. Oddly, one issue not covered in depth is the firewall, which is handled very well in chapter five, with operating system problems. Ghosh sets up a classification scheme for OS attacks, illustrated by specific weaknesses in Windows NT and UNIX.

The book ends in chapter six with a call for certification of software, greater attention to security in all forms of software, and, interestingly, for greater use of component software. (From the jacket material, it appears that Ghosh is currently involved in the promotion of component software systems.)

Each chapter ends with a set of references. Unlike all too many books with bibliographies stuff with obscure citations from esoteric journals, the bulk of the material listed is available on the Internet. A separate section lists Web sites used in the text.

The various issues dealt with in the book are explained clearly, and generally present counsel on the best practices for secure online commerce. A compact but comprehensive guide to the current state of electronic transaction security.

Average customer rating:

One of the better ones

Best Book on BP I have ever read

A practical, easy-to-put-into-action business plan resource

pick your plan

pick your plan

Hurdle : The Book on Business Planning Millenium Edition
Tim Berry
Manufacturer: Palo Alto Software
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Systems & Planning | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Anatomy of a Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Business and Securing Your Company's Future (Anatomy of a Business Plan)

ASIN: 0966489144

Book Description

Clear the Planning Hurdle

The Hurdle book is Tim Berry's latest, a practical step-by-step guide to a business plan you can take to the bank and implement in your company. The Hurdle book includes a 53 page workbook to capture your information as you progress through your business plan. Do it Yourself

Learn how to develop a complete business plan, with text, tables, and charts, in simple understandable steps. Learn how to understand business numbers. Everything you need, from profit and loss to cash flow to balance sheet and ratios, all laid out in simple terms and practical examples. Learn to Manage and Implement Your Plan

Includes concrete, detailed advice on how to actually manage and implement your plan. Also includes two sample plans, plan comparisons, as well as sections on starting your business, financing a business, and running your business.

Download Description

This no-nonsense book takes the mystery out of the business planning process, eliminates the jargon and buzzwords, and guides you step by step through writing a professional business plan.

Customer Reviews:

One of the better ones.......2007-08-23

I needed to write a business plan for a service organization. Since it was back in 1988 when I wrote my last one, I bought six books on the subject. One was absolutely useless, two were written by people who had obviously never operated a company, which suggests to be careful when buying books on the subject. One was ok, one reasonably good, and Berry's was the best of all of them, though not perfect. At least it caused me to think like an investor who reads the plan before giving his money to people who he doesn't know from Adam.

Best Book on BP I have ever read.......2002-01-18

This was a very easy and clear read. The best book on business planning that I have ever read. It's refreshing to know that you don't need a MBA to read and write a clear business plan. Great examples and figures throughout.

A practical, easy-to-put-into-action business plan resource.......1999-06-07

This is the most pragmatic, easy to understand, and easy to follow book for creating a business plan I have found yet. "Hurdle" is designed for those that want to benefit from what a business plan can offer their business. The chapter "About Business Numbers" is the best I have read to understand the numbers behind a business and how they relate to the business plan. A quick read, a great resource, and a sound business investment. After reading "Hurdle", I wouldn't plan without it.

pick your plan.......1999-02-09

I like the book, because it contains necessary metirials for keeping kontrol on the figures

pick your plan.......1999-02-09

I like the book, because it contains necessary metirials for keeping kontrol on the figures

Business Plan Pro 2004 and Hurdle: The Book on Business Planning

Average customer rating:

Business Plan Pro 2004 and Hurdle: The Book on Business Planning

Manufacturer: Palo Alto Software
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000BTWNIW

Product Description

2004 CD software with instruction manual and Hurdle business guide.

Average customer rating:

Hurdle: The Book on Business Planning
Tim Berry
Manufacturer: Palo Alto Software, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VIEGRE

Book Description

Plan Your Meeting or Conference with Confidence

From creating the program book to making special arrangements for VIPs, this celebrated resource contains all the guidance, tools and inspiration you need to organize, manage and conduct a truly outstanding meeting or conference. The detailed advice--from authors with more than fifty years of planning experience--can be applied to most any type of gathering, from events for twenty-five to an extravaganza for thousands. A sampling of subjects includes site and function room selection, activity coordination, accommodating handicapped participants, public relations, audio/video equipment, booking entertainment, budgeting, and conducting evaluation and follow-up. Extensive checklists and charts ensure total success.

Customer Reviews:

great information and full of detail.......2003-04-01

Conference planners will benefit from this comprehensive guide that covers everything from conference design to conducting the conference. The book includes helpful examples and a checklist for every area. Then the chapters go into detail, answering each question on the checklist. Chapters include site selection, food functions, exhibitions, marketing, transportation, and others.

The Comprehensive Guide to Successful Conferences and Meetings: Detailed Instructions and Step-by-Step Checklists (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)

Average customer rating:

The Comprehensive Guide to Successful Conferences and Meetings: Detailed Instructions and Step-by-Step Checklists (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)
Leonard Nadler
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VLVQSS

Book Description

A collection of over 100 of the Job Goddesses favorite columns--wise and witty columns that solve every kind of legal job search question!

Customer Reviews:

Need Job Search Advice? Just Ask the Job Goddess.......2000-05-30

This book is a compilation of Ms. Walton's popular Job Goddess advice column which appears in publications nationwide. The book is mainly targeted to questions raised by law students and recent graduates. There is a lot of helpful advice for such stumpers as "How do I get a job after failing the bar exam - three times?"

The book is a definate (and easy) read for new and recent law school graduates!

Average customer rating:
THE BEST OF THE JOB GODDESS- PHENOMENAL JOB SEARCH ADVICE FROM THE COUNTRY'S MOST POPULAR LEGAL JOB SEARCH COLUMNIST

Manufacturer: Harcourt Brace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H3VD24

Amazon.com

Lee Phillips and Kristy Phillips, married attorneys who specialize in financial planning, were faced with their very own monetary crisis some 15 years ago when Lee was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now having beaten back both the disease and the possibility of associated fiscal disaster, the couple has written Protecting Your Financial Future to outline the asset protection and estate planning principles they utilized during their ordeal. Packed with personal anecdotes and other real-life examples, it includes tips that readers can employ immediately as well as practical long-term advice on cutting or eliminating estate taxes, protecting your home from lawsuits, and avoiding probate.

Book Description

This unique guide, endorsed by nationally known radio talk show host Bruce Williams, gives you inside information on estate planning and asset protection strategies. In a down-to-earth style, the book helps readers understand how to: save thousands in taxes and legal fees; protect assets and business from lawsuits; avoid probate and unnecessary court proceedings; maximize IRAs and retirement plans; and minimize grief, confusion and financial burden for loved ones. Includes a foreword by Bruce Williams, ten asset protection tips anyone can use to protect against lawsuits or financial grief, sample legal documents, and a glossary of terms.

Customer Reviews:

Best book on estate planning and asset protection.......1998-10-06

As an attorney, I've read many books on estate planning and asset protection. Protecting Your Financial Future is the best treatment of the subject I've seen. It's got powerful info that even financial and legal professionals will learn from, but it's easily understood by the layperson too.

One of the best aspects of the book is its writing style. It was actually enjoyable to read; intermingling strategies with anecdotes that illustrate principles.

Living trusts and other asset protection tools are often used incorrectly. The authors of Protecting Your Financial Future help readers avoid common pitfalls and build wealth with strategies all my clients should use. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a trust or thinks they will benefit from a trust. This book will give you the answers you need for the best possible plan.

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