Governments

An extraordinary book, that can make all of us to think deeper to what we can do that things like those not to happen again... A book that could be written only by someone who lived in the free world and spent enough time in the now-in-transition countries, to understand exactly what happened there and what could be done to help these countries. It is very difficult for people from there to find by themselves the answers to their questions, and it is difficult also for somebody who didn't live there to understand how communism changed the people's minds. This book has exactly these answers, presented in an elegant manner and in an easy to understand way, by study cases. And the question from title has not an easy answer. I lived there, I didn't like communism and so almost all of the population, but this still existed for 45 years. The communism destroyed any knowledge or instinct of freedom and made the people to be afraid of major changes until 1989, when the contradictions grew so much that erupted in a popular riot, there where the governance was so blind to accept any change - Romania. And now, those people discovered the values of free market and democracy, but they have also to learn again the rules of the game. The book helped me to understand this and to see what it could be done many years ago, when very few of us had the courage to predict these events. I recommend this book to everybody, both for study and personal knowledge.

This book provides a graphic description of a crumbling communist power and the stumbling steps toward capitalism that followed. The detailed descriptions of real people and their lives under both old and new regimes keeps the reading interesting. If you've ever wondered why, now that communism is dead these countries can't just pick up the pieces and move on you should read this book.

Ms. Mayer does the difficult scholarly work needed to shed light on the issue of the Muslim treatment of women. She goes directly to the original sources. It can be fairly said that Ms. Mayer's allows Islamic sources to speak for themselves. Everything is amply documented and footnoted to allow the reader to go to the specific document and confirm Ms. Mayer's statments.
Ms. Mayer reveals the differences between the English version and the Arabic translation of the "Islamic" human rights declaration. It is literally a two-faced document, the Arabic version containing limitations and derogations of women, while the English version appears to grant equality.
This is the book that Islamic apologists in the Western world need to read.
One can hope that someday in the future Islam will reform its treatment of women, but, unfortunately, according to many informed sources there is in effect an upsurge in fundamentalism in the Middle East and elsewhere which is taking Islam in the wrong direction.

Excellent book, Mayer has carefully compared Islamic law with international human rights laws and concludes that these two are not compatible. This is due to fact that Islam is 'God's' commands and critisizing it is blasphemous...Mayer states that, 'Islamic human rights can offer no means for protecting the individual against laws and policies violating international human rights law'. Thus, Muslim -theocratic- States exist by asserting Islamic law at the deprivation of the freedoms of their citizens, female and male. Thus, violating their citizens' international human rights, with women suffering the most.

These essays should read as dated. They do not. Though Oz' non-fiction tends to be uneven, as this collection is, they are amazingly rewarding reading. He's not only a wordsmith but a passionate writer who defends peace in the Middle East without ever becoming the least bit sentimental about how enemies must go about this. Now, when there is no peace, and none on the horizon, he is still well worth reading and re-reading. He knows whereof he speaks & writes--some of these essays were lectures he's given--and his energy is contagious. Good reading for writers and well as readers. Great reading for peace lovers who are, of necessity, confused during these darkening days.

Beautifully written essays that illustrate the problems of the Holy Lands frankly and passionately. Oz brings me my first real understanding of both sides of the struggle in Israel. He succeeds with the clarity that has alluded most news teams, and does it in a way that degrades no one. As always Oz's writing, is remarkable.

I've just about comlpleted my graduate study, and being the smart fellow that I am, am past the point of elevating the founders (or anyone else for that matter)to demagogue status. Still, Jefferson is certainly one of the most brilliant people who'se ever put pen to parchment, and this book will show you why.

Broken into sections on such topics as the Virginia constitution, the US constitution, religious liberty, and slavery, this edition assembles Jefferson's personal letters, bills in the virginia legislature, excerpts from his autobiography and even presidential addresses. Put together, they give us a great chunk of Jeffersonaian thought (libertarianism, anti-federalism, republicanism) and even insights into his personal life (yes, "dialogue between the head and the heart" is here; Peronally, I like reading that one aloud).

The only criticisms I have are that the editing could've used a little alacrity. In that most of the items herein are personal letters which refer to specific historical events, persons, and goings on, the editors lack of introductory paragraphs, guiding footnotes, or references is a glaring omission. Now, I've studied most of the events and had only marginal trouble filling in details, but I pity she who has not read Jefferson before trying to make sense of the contexts without which the letters lose at least a bit of importance. Long and short: if you're familiar with Jefferson in detail, this is a great read. If not, read a good biography first.

(Before I go, I should point out that for those used to the dry style of Jefferson's autobiography and "Notes on Virginia", his letters are so much more pleasent to read. He is terse, vivacious, and quite informal, by contrast. Don't let memories of late night slogs through "Notes on Virginia" dissuade you from this collection.)

What are you standing there for? Procure this volume for your illustrious and most magnificent library!

This is a really a great collection of Thomas Jefferson's views on liberty, slavery,democratic government, social policy in a republic, education, etc. Forget all of the "interpretations" or "revisionist" histories by professional historians, instead pick up this book and read about one of the greatest philosophers of human liberty and democracy. Reading Jefferson in his original words without the personal views of the historical crowd really brings out his true vision for a great republic. A great buy.

Mr Bolitho has written this biography a thousand time better than any Pakistani writer. We were taught about Quaed e Azam in the schools but no other book taught me more about the man whom I think was the greatest man ever walked on this earth....I love him...!

Written in a lucid and entertaining language, it gives us an indepth look on Mr Jinnah, the young secular Minded Lawyer and his conversion forced by the actions of Hindu Majority to the spokesman of the two Nation theory..

It does well to compare Mr Jinnah to his contemporary Ataturk of Turkey, and puts in to Perspective Mr Jinnah's achievement, namely Pakistan.

It's nice to be reminded that there have been, and hopefully will be again, presidential candidates who are more driven by the passion to serve than a vague and often misguided ambition to merely hold office. Senator Tsongas' work more than serves that purpose as it outlines his reasons for running in 1992 as well as his blueprint for a party that promises to effectively serve the compassionate core of America. What's most refreshing is that Tsongas is fair and reasoned in his approach and, whenever necessary, critical of his own party in his attempt to stear it in bold new directions. Whether you embrace Tsongas' political leanings or not, this is one of those works that should be considered essential reading nevertheless.

This is, simply put, one of the better works I have read. The late, great American, Paul Tsongas, did a wonderful job in articulating his belief that we are a socially progressive yet fiscally responsible nation. In doing so, the former Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate does not forsake his Democratic roots but instead embraces the New Democratic theory on government, which seeks to have both a fiscal and morally responsible government which empowers citizens.

Mind you, I do not agree 100% with the late Senator's beliefs. Yet, overall, this one's a sure winner. I highly recommend this one.

There is a review of this book in the Atlanta Journal & Constitution Sunday May 6, 1973 by Eve Silver.

I thought the book was very intereesting and realistic. Its amazing how cruel people can be. This truly touched my heart.

I was first introduced to Mr. Greenberg's books by my son who actively participates in student government at his high school. Frankly I take issue with Mr. Greenberg's limitation as to whom this book will benefit, i.e. "students". Certainly both these books should be required study for every EVERY student because of the incredibly positive impact the information will have on them, both professionally and personally for the rest of their lives. But in addition I must add, as a business owner with over 3,000 employees and a management team of 50, I have found the principles espoused in Mr. Greenberg's books to be the most effective management training tools we have ever employed in our company. Not only has the skills of our management team significantly improved, but also we have seen an enormous positive impact on all of our employees at all job levels. We now require every new hire in every position within our company to read, outline in their own words and then discuss with their respective department head, the principles taught in these books. We then have them apply the goal-setting strategy to their own hopes and dreams, both business and personal and then meet with them monthly to discuss their progress. The entire culture of our company has changed with the result of a significant heightening of employee morale, a much happier working environment, upbeat positive attitudes, increased production and significantly less turn over. The final result? Increased sales, 98% customer satisfaction and a definite increase in bottom line profit. Thank you Scott Greenberg. I only wish that I had the benefit of your books 30 years ago when I first started building my business.

Wow, what an inspiring book! I have been involved in student government and leadership training since junior high school. This book taught me more than I ever thought I could learn, about getting orginized, setting goals, overcoming obsticles, and acheiving goals now and in the future. The book starts right off by having you list your goals, then shows you simple but powerful ways to acheiving goals you could once only dream of. Being a high school junior, I have an unreal busy schedule, and could never seem to get all of my stuff done in and out of school. The author gave me the tools to overcome my biggest fear: Lack of time and being orginized! The things I learned in this book will make my life way easier, all the way through college. What a confidence builder! I have Mr. Greenberg's second book on order now ("Jump Start Volume 2"). I can't wait to read it!

Father Burtchaell's presentation of this series of events in Italy is a joy to read. The issues go beyond conscription/conscientous objection to civil disobedience and legislation. Don Lorenzo's life and story are enlightening, and the way in which he made a protest into changes in Italian law is a model of effecting change. Father Milani's logic is clear and powerful, using masterful rhetoric. This would make an excellent book for a seminar on civil rights or related topics. The book concerns a Catholic priest, and is written as well by one. It does contain religious debate, and it might present problems if used in a public school. But its tale, only lightly framed by the author, is told mostly in letters, articles and court documents of the time. The nearest figure in American history to Father Milani might be Henry David Thoreau.

This is a classical masterpiece. In this book, you can find a systematic analysis of the war and of the emptiness of war. It is a "must buy" for students and for professor of political science and juridical studies. It is a "must buy" for all the people on earth that cherishes the life of their own children. DO NOT MISS IT.

Kal's book illustrates (no pun intended) the best of the editorial cartoon world. Kal is able to sum up in one frame what writers take columns and columns to say. It takes a very talented person to capture feelings, humor, politics and general news in just a few - very deft - strokes of a pen. Even though there is an entire section of the book dedicated to Baltimore issues, the book transcends it's locale. The chapters on international and national politics portray the last four years of the Clinton administration beautifully - and cleverly! Kal is a great, world-class cartoonist. His drawings appear regulary in The Economist of London and other papers and magazines around the world. Baltimore is lucky to have him - and now others can see his works in this fine collection.

I found the book KAL draws the line funny, witty and thought provoking. Kevin Kallaughers lampooning of local and nation figures is top notch not to mention entertaining. I highly recomment this book.