Book Description
The 1990s saw the best economic performance in the United States in three decades. Strong economic growth and falling unemployment were accompanied by low inflation and rising budget surpluses. Although personal bankruptcies climbed, the personal saving rate fell, and the trade deficit expanded, overall, U.S. economic performance during the 1990s was outstanding.
This book is a unique attempt to write the first history of the making of American economic policy during the 1990s. One way to view it is as a "debriefing" of those who made the decisions. Each chapter is devoted to a particular area of economic policy and consists of a background paper written by leading academic economists together with short essays by prominent policymakers, many of whom served in the Clinton administration or previous administrations, and by independent observers. The questions asked about each policy area include: What were the pros and cons of alternative options under consideration? What decision was made? What were the relevant economic arguments for that decision, and what political interests were served? Were other options missing from consideration? Is it possible to judge whether the decision was the right one? Are there lessons for the future?
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Two-time presidential candidate Steve Forbes lays out his political vision in A New Birth of Freedom. Readers won't become very familiar with Forbes the man, but they will definitely get to know what Forbes thinks about the issues of the day. "Less government and more freedom" is the principle underlying most of his ideas, whether they involve the flat tax, health care, or Social Security. The book is detailed, but not overly so, and avoids becoming a mere laundry list of policy choices. Libertarians will be drawn to his economic ideas, and social conservatives will appreciate his chapter on "the moral basis of a free society." Forbes puts many of his best applause lines from speeches on these pages, but they will sound fresh and bold to those who haven't heard them before: "We can't tinker with this tax code monstrosity or try to reform it around the edges. The only thing we can do with this hideous beast is kill it, drive a stake through its heart, bury it, and hope that it never rises again to terrorize the American people." Forbes also takes a subtle swipe at Texas governor George W. Bush, his main competition for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000: "I come from a family of entrepreneurs and risk-takers--of tax-payers, not tax-raisers," he writes, hoping Republican primary voters will remember that his father, George Bush, broke his "no new taxes" pledge when he was president. If they do and pick Forbes, this book provides a good look at what to expect from the Forbes administration. --John J. Miller
Book Description
America today has the potential for the greatest economic boom and spiritual renewal in our history. Presidential candidate and publishing magnate Steve Forbes shows how we can once again brighten economic prospects for everyone, reform our corrupt political institutions, and restore the severely weakened moral foundations of our country.
Customer Reviews:
Steve Forbes accentuates the beauty of conservatism.......2004-02-02
The title of my review ought to paraprhase all the nice things I have to say about this book. Mr. Forbes is an eloquent writer, who glibly conveys his thoughts. Often, when people refer to the adjectives "conservative" and "liberal", they, quite understandably so, misconstrue their meanings to be "dogmatic" and "progressive". Not so. Steve Forbes believes in the inherent goodness of people, and is certain that when they're given more control of their own assets, they will direct it to good cause.
We Need Steve Forbes' America.......2002-05-11
Ronald Reagan restored to this nation a pride and integrity that has been failing at a catastrophic pace, with a lot of the credit going to the do little Clinton Administration. Our tax system must go, or Social Security system is on the brink of collapse and our Medicare and Medicaid policies are a joke.
Mr. Forbes nails almost everything in this book. From foreign policy to the morals of our youth, we are in need of total reform. We are on the wrong course and this book can act like the compass we need to guide us back.
The book does read a little like a political rally speech but Mr. Forbes speaks the truth. Read it as a handbook to a new America, the old America that we once new.
Read Forbes' 200-page platform?.......2002-03-14
Steve Forbes claims at the start of his book that the goal is to show how "we" can launch a new birth of freedom that will help all Americans achieve their dreams. He should have just come right out and say it: the goal of this book was to publicize Forbes' presidential platform!
I agree with most of Forbes' platform. In fact, initially I was dead set against a flat tax but Forbes' presentation actually got me thinking about the possibility. He is very good at explaining the simplicity of the tax, and it is quite compelling in that regard. Of course, multi-millionaires like Forbes would be the ones getting the biggest cuts.
In any event, this book is totally unnecessary. Forbes should have typed up a little brochure and spent his money on publicizing that instead of the book. The format of each chapter is quite consistent -- Forbes presents pages upon pages of background information to an issue, and then outlines his opinion/ideas. This makes for a slow (and often dull) read, as the introductory material is generic and most readers are probably aware of what Forbes outlines. This 200-page platform could definitely be edited down to a 20-page brochure.
I only recommend this book to the biggest Forbes' enthusiasts. My favorite part of the book did not even come from Steve Forbes, rather in a quote on success from his grandfather B.C. Forbes.
"Business was originated to produce happiness, not to pile up millions. Are we in danger of forgetting this? Too often in talking with so-called "successful" men I cannot but feel that they are making business an end and an aim in itself, that they regard the multiplying of their millions and the extension of their works as the be-all and end-all of life, life itself. ...They are so obsessed with the material that they cannot enjoy the immaterial, the intangible, the ideal, the spiritual -- quiet thought, self-communion, reflection, poise, inward happiness, domestic felicity..."
Excellent Insight on American Politics.......2001-08-25
I'm not a sharer of Steve Forbes political views. I didn't know much about his plan for the flat tax. But after reading this book that include letters that people wrote to him, I'm not sure that the flat tax is such a bad idea. Forbes also talks about the excellent health care system in Delaware and how all states in America should have a systems' like Delaware.The only problem with that is that Delaware is one of the smallest states in the nation and so its health care system is fairly easy to manage. You then take a state like California that is huge, it becomes much more difficult to model a system like Delaware's. Overall this is one of the top three presidential candidate books of the campaign season.
A valuable read, beats the 2000 presidential debates........2000-10-21
Steve Forbes lays out his political views in clear, persuasive prose. After reading this book, you cannot help but wish all the presidential candidates were required to write out their views on such wide ranging issues as taxes, government spending, education, the environment, etc., in such an accessible and readily available format. In his heart, Steve Forbes is an optimist and this trait is apparent throughout his book. This especially appeals to me, because I also portray an optimistic viewpoint in my own writings and lectures. In spite of his great wealth, he takes great pains to espouse an inclusive political stance, in the fervent belief that all Americans are entitled to health, happiness and prosperity. And you have to admire a guy who donates all the profits from his book to The Family Academy of Harlem, NY! Please read this book for at least two reasons. 1) I just watched all the presidential and VP debates, and I get more substance on actual policies from this ONE book. 2) If you read this book, you will understand that here is a person who wants to live up to the noble American ideal of performing public service, even at great cost to himself.
Amazon.com
President Clinton offers his vision for the country as we enter the twenty-first century. The president sees the nation poised on the edge of what he calls "the age of possibility." With eloquence and clarity, he details the broad values of opportunity, responsibility, and community that he regards as critical to helping America meet its challenges in the years ahead. He also discusses the experience of his presidency - mistakes made, lessons learned, and unprecedented successes - and his plan to lead America into the next millennium.
Book Description
Between Hope and History is the President's articulation of his political philosophy - a philosophy that underpins all his policies and programs as America enters the twenty-first century.
The book is also a concise statement of the fundamental principles and values that have guided his administration since its inception in 1993. It continues, as he writes, "the conversation I have had with the American people about our destiny as a nation."
In
Between Hope and History, President Clinton sees America poised on the edge of "the age of possibility." He declares that "the era of big government is over," and asserts his belief that the global economy will place a premium on education. The President also discusses the roles that individuals, families, businesses, and government must play as America prepares for the twenty-first century.
Customer Reviews:
Good book!!.......2004-06-25
The world's busiest man took enough time out of his schedule to give us this excellent book. It's well worth a read. Imagine if W could write and be President at the same time. Hell, he can't even read speeches prepared by others. Bush's arrival showed us just how great President Clinton was, and is.
A synthesis and distellation of bill clinton's thought.......2002-02-20
this book sums up bill lcintons thought and views on many issues that are important. He has some interesting observations about how we have the power to impove ourselves with our power.
it is written in his smooth style and is an easy read. I don't think he used any speech writers with this book. I really felt his passion of his convictions here. I hope he can keep busy now he is out of office.
he uses some form of the word "is" 104 times in the book, soIguess he now kwos what the word means.
This [...] used copy will be a collector's item!.......2001-08-08
[ The clever Mr. Clinton knew he could not get the big bucks for simply spouting a lot of earnest policy palaver, as he did in his 1996 "Between Hope and History," reviewing lessons learned in his presidency and offering his vision of opportunity, responsibility and community. The book tanked, and is out of print. [....]]
[....]
inspiring.......2001-07-21
In former-President Clinton's "Between Hope and History" he discusses topics ranging from crime to globalization to education reform to the pride of being an American and living in the best democratic model of governance in the world. The book is very inspirational. My favorite quote is on page 175; "I believe that America today stands between hope and history---at the edge of a moment when these two powerful forces are as one, when we can embrace the dawn of the new century, drawing strength and guidance from our past, filled with confidence that in this new age of possibility, our best is yet to come."
Good summary of Clinton goals and speeches.......2000-07-22
Clinton will not go down in history as a great politcal writer, but this book is a reasonably good summary of his political philosophy, ideas, and goals. My favorite quote: "Even in a free society, real choices exist only if people have the capacity to take advantage of them." The right-wing Clinton-haters can write all the bad reviews of this book they want, but if they actually read it, they might not find it to be so horrible.
Average customer rating:
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American Challenges: Business and Government in the World of the 1990s
Irving Leveson
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0275936449 |
Book Description
The American economy and society are undergoing vast transformations, including a renaissance of capitalism, a great wave of technological change, and a restructuring of businesses and industries. A superindustrial society is evolving, and there is a new social cycle that initially offers a greater understanding of problems along with practical means to their solutions. This work addresses the changing state of America's economy and society in its global context, painting a serious but positive portrait of the United States in the next decade. In this context, Irving Leveson carefully explores long term trends and prospects, provides an integrated treatment of issues that are usually examined in discrete fragments, offers a context for planning and decision making, and contributes thorough analyses of specific trends and issues. The book is structured around three major themes. The first is the need for longer term perspectives in both personal and business affairs; the second focuses on key trends, and the way in which some will be significantly weakened, nullified, or reversed in the 1990s; and the third details the serious business, social, and economic challenges that remain to be dealt with. Leveson charts the transformation of America and the economic conservatism and market orientation that resulted in the renaissance of capitalism, as well as the long cycle upswing of economic restructuring. He then turns to the coming superindustrial society and new social cycle, along with the challenges, opportunities, and problems that the 1990s and the next century will bring. Throughout the work, he offers perspectives on such topics as prospects for corporate restructuring, financial globalization and volatility, health futures, and the relation of business strategy to long cycle evolution. An accompanying appendix provides comparisons of long cycles, and the study concludes with a selected bibliography. This work will be a useful tool for corporate managers and executives, government officials, and policy planners, as well as a valuable resource for courses in economic studies and public policy. It will also be an important addition to the collections of both public and academic libraries.
Average customer rating:
- Review of "An American Trade Strategy"
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An American Trade Strategy: Options for the 1990s
Charles L. Schultze , and
Robert Z. Lawrence
Manufacturer: Brookings Institution Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 081575180X |
Customer Reviews:
Review of "An American Trade Strategy".......2000-11-13
This book came about as a result of the public debate about the direction of United States trade policy. In September of 1989, the Brookings Institution put together a conference entitled An American Trade Strategy: Options for the 1990s. The three main papers presented at the conference each defended an alternative policy approach, namely multilateral free trade, aggresive bilateralism and managed trade. This tome contains revised versions of these three documents, along with the remarks of the official discussants of each paper and the comments of a panel of three experts. As a bonus, the volume also includes two introductory chapters in which the editors, Robert Lawrence and Charles Schultze, both affiliated with the Brookings Economic Studies Program, sum up and evaluate the strategies at hand, which, by the way, are spoused by Anne Krueger (free trade), Rudiger Dornbusch (bilateral trade) and Laura Tyson (managed trade).
Lawrence and Schultze, in assessing the different arguments and proposals put forth in regards to the aforementioned central issue of the book, first evaluate the two chief objectives -- improvement in the terms of trade and strategic industrial policy -- and then turn their attention to the various means suggested for their attainment.
Traditional economic analysis suggests that free trade is the best approach to raise global welfare. Given the importance of the US in the global economy, this country's actions are likely to have systemic repercussions. Protectionist policies by the US might prompt other nations into taking defensive and retaliatory actions.
As long as other countries help companies that produce goods America imports, the US gains. But if countries subsidize their exports to third markets or protect domestic firms against US exports, they can lower US living standards.
On the other hand, Dornbusch believes that the informal, mainly nongovernmental, barriers to imports into Japan have biased the terms of trade against the US. He claims that the negotiation of free trade areas with other US trading partners might put pressure on Japan to agree to trade concessions in the form of increasing its imports of US goods. Dornbusch is not explicitly concerned about the specific composition of US exports. Therefore, when he proposes the negotiation of numerical goals for the expansion of imports into Japan, he envisages an aggregate target for manufactured goods.
Tyson contends that some industries are more important than others. She voices two concerns: that market forces left to their own devices will not channel enough resources into the critical high-technology industries, and that the trade and industrial policies of other countries will drive US producers out of these key sectors and thus lower US living standards.
According to Tyson, there are three principal kinds of departures from the scenario of efficiently functioning markets that make some industries ''more equal than others'' and that warrant interventionist policies. One, because of the nature of their products and production processes, some markets are necessarily imperfectly competitive and can generate, for a limited number of firms in the world market, surplus profits (rents) -- profits higher than the necessary to induce investment in the sector. If a country can somehow secure a place for its firms in such markets, it can earn rents -- its capital investments would make more than could be earned in other uses. Two, some industries pay workers surplus (premium) wages, more than their experience and skills could earn elsewhere in the economy. Expansion of those industries will increase real wages and living standards. Three, the production of certain goods creates ripple benefits for the rest of the economy, that is, the benefits to the economy from the production of the goods in question are greater than the revenues earned by the producers.
In recent years the analysis of trade has moved to take into account the widespread reality of imperfect competition. The new trade theories suggest that in imperfectly competitive situations a country may be able to use government intervention to enrich itself at the expense of other nations.
However, the circumstances under which these monopoly-promoting policies might pay off are difficult to detect in practice. They depend on the behavioral features in the market, the degree to which other countries retaliate and the supply response of other firms to the government intervention. Moreover, the government must know the full consequences in the industries from which the resources are drawn. Redirecting scarce resources into a particular sector could produce losses elsewhere in the economy that outweigh the gains in the sector being promoted.
Since the ability of economists to estimate demand and costs' curves with precision is very low, to predict the response of other firms to the market changes induced by government intervention is lower still and to calculate the general equilibrium effects from the drawdown of resources elsewhere in the economy is virtually nil, there is slim chance that the government could know in advance whether any particular policy of subsidy or protection will add to or substract from national income.
Some have advocated using trade policies to enhance employment in sectors with premium wages. If what appear to be rents are in fact payments for skills, abilities or other characteristics of jobs, a governmental policy that subsidized the expansion of these industries could have damaging consequences, for instance, a regresive distributional impact.
The view that some industries provide productivity-enhancing spillover effects to the rest of the US economy lies at the heart of the arguments of many proponents of policies for managed trade. One unresolved problem is how are these industries going to be identified and favored.
Although published ten years ago, this book addresses issues that are still current. Trade policy is a topic that is likely to surface in every presidential and congressional election for years to come. In addition, there are sufficient theoretical concepts thrown around in this tome to make it a good read.
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Chile: The Political Economy of Development and Democracy in the 1990s (Pitt Latin American Series)
David E. Hojman
Manufacturer: University of Pittsburgh Press
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ASIN: 0822911698 |
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En Route to Modern Growth: Latin America in the 1990s. Essays in Honor of Carlos Diaz-Alejandro (Inter-American Development Bank)
Manufacturer: Inter-American Development Bank
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ASIN: 0940602857 |
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- Latin American Political Economy
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Latin American Political Economy in the Age of Neoliberal Reform: Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives for the 1990s
William C. Smith ,
Carlos H. Acuna , and
Eduardo A. Gamarra
Manufacturer: University of Miami Iberian Studies Institute
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ASIN: 1560007311 |
Customer Reviews:
Latin American Political Economy .......2006-08-12
In Latin America during the 1980s, the widely accepted model of economic development based upon import-substitution colapsed, triggering profound changes in relations among the state, civil society, and the market. In its palce, neoliberal strategies pursued market-oriented restructuring to achieve external adjustment, tame hyperinflation, and discipline public sector finance. However, more people are now poorer with only marginal opportunities for equality, and a few people still hold most of the wealth and control productive resources. Frequently, governments have implemented new stabalization and structural adjustment policies autocratically, undermining democratic politics and the broadening of citizns' rights. This volume advocates a fundamental rethinking of central issues in Latin American political economy. Prominent political scientists, and sociologists from Latin America and the United States provide critical perspectives on the successes and failures of neoliberal reform. Several chapters explore alternative strategies for achieving economic growth along with enhanced equity and deepening democratic consolidation.
--- excerpt from book's back cover
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Human Ecology, published by Cornell University, Human Ecology on June 1, 2004. The length of the article is 2799 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: Public policies and vulnerable populations: in the growth years of the 1990s, when the employment rates rose for most working-age Americans, economic prosperity was not shared by people with disabilities. In fact, people with disabilities experienced an unprecedented decline in economic independence.
Author: Metta Winter
Publication:
Human Ecology (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 2004
Publisher: Cornell University, Human Ecology
Volume: 32
Issue: 1
Page: 10(4)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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