Universal Service : Competition, Interconnection and Monopoly in the Making of the American Telephone System

Book Description

This book revisits the critical period of unbridled competition between the Bell System and independent telephone companies early in this century.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Book.......2006-09-26

An excellent book that explores the myth of telecommunications policy. A problem in telecommunications policy is that the regulatory approaches have been sufficiently long lived that those who regulate today were not around when the regulatory policy was established. We have lived so long with regulatory approach that we have lost site of regulatory policy. As we today address, should a VoIP phone be regulated like a Verizon POTS phone, the answer is normally "Yes" because "like things should be regulated the same." This articulates a regulatory approach devoid of comprehension as to why a Verizon POTS phone was ever regulated in the first place. Milton Mueller takes us there and explores through his dissection of Universal Service what first brought about these policies, who sought them, and what gain they thought might be achieved through regulation. Today's universal service (98% of all americans have phones) is a grand achievement, but it is a far cry from what AT&T meant by "universal service" in 1908.

Extraordinary.......2000-04-18

In this crisply written mix of history and clear theory, Mueller retells the history of early competition in telephony -- and of the role of regulation in making the AT&T monopoly. The book brings to life a completely forgotten period, where telephones were like computer operating systems today -- competing yet incompatible. Not every phone could be called from every phone, and this fact, Mueller convincingly argues, pushed competition in telephone penetration.

The book also is convincing in its account of the reconstruction of the meaning of the word "universal service" which was brought about, Mueller argues, by AT&T revisionism in the 1970s. The original meaning was simply that any phone would be able to call any phone; the modern meaning (that some service subsidizes other service) was a construction of a late monopoly trying to defend itself.

The book suggests wonderful (if under developed) parallels with the story of competition in modern operating systems. And it offers some important skepticism about the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

Must reading in telecommunications policy.......1997-03-12

A fascinating account of telephone competition in the early 1900s, when the competing telephone systems did not connect. Mueller's analysis of the experience of a fragmented telecommunications infrastructure--and the decision to put an end to it in the name of "universal service"--has important implications for Internet and telecom development today. John Crook

Universal Service: Competition, Interconnection, and Monopoly In the Making of the American Telephone System

Average customer rating:

Universal Service: Competition, Interconnection, and Monopoly In the Making of the American Telephone System

Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HK12G4

Book Description

This series covers the federal, state, and local regulations imposed on small businesses, with concise, friendly and up-to-the-minute advice on each critical step of starting your own business.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful primer on starting a business with contact information for locating startup funds if necessary........2006-09-03

This is a valuable book (resource) for budding entrepreneurs. It seems to try to cover all the bases for starting a small business, but it can't do them all well in the space available between its covers. The book is only 288 pages long. If you are in the planning stages of starting a small business, then I highly recommend you get a copy of this book. Read it, study it, and outline it. There are helpful checklists to help you grasp the subjects. You will come up with a plethora of keywords and terms that you will want to google to find Web pages giving more detailed (and maybe more current) information.

I am a SCORE counselor (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) who typically does face-to-face counseling sessions three nights a month. It would really be neat if my clients would read this book BEFORE they came to their session with me because they would pretty much be "educated customers" ready to ask educated questions. Our sessions would be so much more beneficial.

My favorite chapters were:

1. Initial business concerns
2. Your business' structure
3. Business start-up details
5. Sources of business assistance (SCORE is mentioned here)
7. Your smart business plan (and a good sample plan is included)
8. Obtaining the financing you need

The book is weak when it comes to how the Internet can be used in corresponding, hiring, and marketing. But this is just one example of how googling keywords and concepts found in the book will make the book more complete. Don't treat the book as authoritative on the law. It isn't. Nor was it ever intended to be. It is light on tax information as it relates to small business.

I was particularly impressed with the material presented in Chapter 2: Choice of Legal Entity. That subject is sorely ignored in most small business books, and it is critically important. It is a subject I regularly must spend a great deal of time discussing at my SCORE sessions. This book does a pretty good job on the topic.

Chapters 4 and 9 through 12 are easy to find fault with. The topic of each could fill a book. But having these topics covered definitely will help a budding entrepreneur know some of the issues they raise.

I would have liked the book more if Chapter 6 (marketing) had been less superficial. When I read it I got the impression that the author was more a public relations expert than a marketing expert. I generally categorize public relations as a subset of marketing. Marketing includes advertising, public relations, and a whole host of other promotion techniques. I did not get this message when I read the book. I also would have liked the book better if the Internet, email, and Web sites had been discussed more. But there are many books on those subjects. Therefore, I can't complain too much about the limited discussion of computers.

When you read this book it may feel a little like it was produced on an assembly line. Maybe it was? There are 50 versions of this book sold; the only state I haven't found a copy for is Montana. Content is king, and this book has it. 5 stars!

Has The Entrepreneurial Spirit.......2004-01-03

How To Start A Business In New York is a valuable book for those budding entrepreneurs. This resource covers all bases when discussing legal, financial, marketing, employment, and many other issues.

The comparisons on sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations are outlined in a very easy to read manner comparing advantages and disadvantages of both. Issues related to non for profits and s corporations are discussed in an easy to read language.

Many good laws are discusssed here to education the budding business osner. The Family Leave Act, The Civils Rights Acts, and Americans With Disablities issues are discussed in a friendly way. Counseling resources are provided as well.

The financial sections are quite intriguing as well. Most notable are the discussions regarding creating a business plan. The sample on the fictious company Evergreen Lawn Care is very helpful as many aspects of how the business plans to succede are discussed.

The only minor drawback is in the employment section. These days when people advertise for a job, a telephone number is not included due to control demand. Email addresses, fax numbers, and in rare cases mailing addresses are mentioned. Furthermore, since this book was published recently, the author should have stressed the importance of developing a website for employment issues as well as marketing and other concerns.

Otherwise, this book is a very useful resource for the many people who are even mildly intrigued at the prospect of starting their own business.

Average customer rating:
How to Start a Business in New York (How to Start a Business in )
Entrepreneur Press
Manufacturer: Entrepreneur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
New Business Enterprises | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof

ASIN: 1599180669

Book Description

SmartStart Your Business Today!

How to Start a Business in New York is your road map to avoiding operational, legal and financial pitfalls and breaking through the bureaucratic red tape that often entangles new entrepreneurs. This all-in-one resource goes a step beyond other business how-to books to give you a jump-start on planning for your business. It provides you with:

Valuable state-specific sample forms and letters on CD-ROM
Mailing addresses, telephone numbers and websites for the federal, state, local and private agencies that will help get your business up and running
State population statistics, income and consumption rates, major industry trends and overall business incentives to give you a better picture of doing business in New York
Checklists, sample forms and a complete sample business plan to assist you with numerous startup details
State-specific information on issues like choosing a legal form, selecting a business name, obtaining licenses and permits, registering to pay taxes and knowing your employer responsibilities
Federal and state options for financing your new venture

Resources, cost information, statistics and regulations have all been updated. That, plus a new easier-to-use layout putting all the state-specific information in one block of chapters, make this your must-have guide to getting your business off the ground.

Average customer rating:
How to Start a Business in New York (Legal Survival Guides)
Paul W. Barnard , and Mark Warda
Manufacturer: Sphinx Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Business Law | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
New Business Enterprises | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Practical Guides | Law | Subjects | Books
General | Business | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Patent, Copyright & Trademark: An Intellectual Property Desk Reference

Contemporary Business Law and Online Commerce Law (5th Edition)

Practical Business Law (3rd Edition)

Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business

Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation

ASIN: 1572484691

Book Description

Turning business dreams into reality can be difficult and overwhelming. How to Start a Business in New York can help transform your vision into a business success.

How to Start a Business in New York is a comprehensive aid to starting and running your own business. From choosing the initial form of business to maintaining financial records, this book is a valuable guide through all stages of business. Written by attorneys, this book makes the subleties of business accessible to everyone.

Book Description

Over 30 books covering individual states!

How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... covers every essential topic you need to understand to start a business right. Protect yourself and your business with expert knowledge provided in this book. The easy-to-follow steps and worksheets guide you through every aspect of incorporation and starting your own business. This book discusses in detail:

Selecting an operating entity-which one is best for you? Learn the pros and cons of each type:
Sole proprietorships
Partnership-general and limited
"S" corporations
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

The five necessary steps to incorporation-five essential moves you must know and follow:
Choose a name: learn the legal ramifications of this simple step
Prepare the Articles of Incorporation
Write the bylaws
Hold the organizational meeting
Issue the stock

Raising Capital-Avoid costly mistakes and financing pitfalls that leave other business owners behind:
Identify potential investors
Sell stocks, notes, bonds, or convertibles
Borrow money from banks, credit unions, and venture capital firms

Dealing with the law-Legal issues always come up, so be prepared:
Learn how to arm yourself with knowledge
Handle disputes
Tips to keep you out of court

Preparing Contracts and Leases-Learn the tricks of the trade to save you time and money:
Identify the essential elements
Master unique aspects of your business
Negotiate a lease for maximum benefit, minimum risk

Understanding copyrights, trademarks, and patents-How does this apply to you?
Learn how to copyright material
Identify the key elements of a trademark
Navigate the patent process

Mastering your taxes-Save money by following advice outlined in this chapter:
Choose an accounting method
Keep accurate records
Learn what you can deduct, and what you can't

How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... will also each you how to hire the best employees, extend credit to your customer, acquire the proper insurance for your business, and maximize corporate and executive benefits.

Don't be left out in the cold! How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... will guide you past common snares and pitfalls that hamper the efforts of many new business owners. This book contains dozens of profit strategies engineered to maximize your profit and prevent common mistakes. Plus, this book outlines specific laws and procedures you need to be aware of to do business in your state. It's specifically designed for you. How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... is easy to read, informative, and will save your business both time and money. Use its expert advice to get you started and keep you business on the path to success!

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding book - Thank you Mr. Dicks!.......2003-10-06

I thought forming a corporation would be a major deal after my first consultation with an attorney. Mr. Dicks writes in an easy to undertand way and provides all the forms to get started. When I went back to my attorney, I was armed with the right information and was in control.

Customer Reviews:

Some serious errors.......2004-03-09

At first I gave this book four stars because I found it easy to read and understand, but after reading it I did my research on setting up an S corporation in New York City, then I realized a big error in the very first chapter of the book: it says S corporations are not subject to New York State franchise tax, but this is totally untrue. S corps as well as LLCs are subject to the annual franchise tax of $325 or more. Plus, the book says nothing about after your corporation becomes a federal S corporation, you must also elect New York State S corporation status in order to get tax benefits at the state level.

Anyway, the book covers a lot of topics but only very superficially and with other inaccuracies. Also very little information on county-specific issues.

Book Description

The contributors to this book review the postindustrial subculture, emphasizing cross-disciplinary and cross-contextual inquiry, a central idiom of postindustrial organizational life. The essays consider alternative methods of understanding media that add variety to "meanings" within and without organizations. This multi-method approach in the search for meaning and the limits of word and symbols to express meaning generates a personally interpretive basis to science.

Modern Organizations & Emerging Conundrums: Medium, Meaning & Method

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Modern Organizations & Emerging Conundrums: Medium, Meaning & Method

Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Organizational Behavior | Business Management | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0787941255

Book Description

Large international corporations and accountants representing international interests require the most up-to-date information regarding tax issues in countries around the world. International Tax Summaries provides in one volume vital information on the tax systems of 124 countries. Organized to make it easy to assess each system's impact on investment and planning decisions, this book covers income taxes on corporations, individuals, and nonresidents, as well as other taxes.

Fundamentals of Individual and Entity Taxation: 2000 Edition

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Fundamentals of Individual and Entity Taxation: 2000 Edition
Escoffier Dennis Fortin
Manufacturer: Dame Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 087393833X

Average customer rating:

Individual Taxation 1995
Pratt
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Taxation | Law | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 025616892X

Average customer rating:

Individual Taxation 2000
Ian Pratt
Manufacturer: Arc Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1929045018

Prentice Hall's Federal Taxation 2000: Individuals

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Prentice Hall's Federal Taxation 2000: Individuals
POPE & KRAMER
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall College Div
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Taxation | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

Tax | Law | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

General | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0130202754

Prentice Hall's Federal Taxation 2000: Individuals Instructor's Edition

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Prentice Hall's Federal Taxation 2000: Individuals Instructor's Edition
Thomas R Pope , Kenneth Anderson , and John Kramer
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Taxation | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0130202770

Taxation of Individual Income 2000 Supplement

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Taxation of Individual Income 2000 Supplement
J. Martin Burke , and Michael K. Friel
Manufacturer: Lexis Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0820547220

Product Description

Fifth edition, 124 pages

West Federal Taxation: Individual Income Taxes 2000 (West Federal Taxation, 2000)

Average customer rating:

Makes the mundane readable.
I'd rather read the Tax Code
Great tax information

West Federal Taxation: Individual Income Taxes 2000 (West Federal Taxation, 2000)

Manufacturer: Thomson South-Western
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Consumer Law | Business | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Taxation | Law | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0324009046

Book Description

WFT: Individual Income Taxes, 2000, is designed for the first course in introductory taxation found primarily at the four-year undergraduate level. May also be taught at the graduate level and in the school of law. Hoffman, et al., provide comprehensive and authoritative coverage of the relevant code and regulations as they pertain to the individual taxpayer, as well as coverage of all major developments in federal taxation. No other tax book conveys the complexities of tax concepts and individual tax codes as clearly!

Customer Reviews:

Makes the mundane readable........2002-05-04

One of the better written tax textbooks. Will actually NOT put you to sleep when you read it. Easy to understand examples.

I'd rather read the Tax Code.......2001-12-21

This book was difficult to read, often wandering off on a tangent. I know the subject of taxes can be difficult but this text made topics that I was already familiar with seem confusing again. Each chapter has several examples, many of which were helpful. But many were also not clearly explained and a few made me wonder if the paragraph was truely finished. If you have a choice, pick up some tax software and a quickfinder guide to go with this class.

Great tax information.......2001-11-26

I am using this book in my Federal tax accounting class. I have more about taxes from this book than I have ever in my whole life. Great tax examples and many resources to solve each problem.

Book Description

Dan Flores brings over twenty years of experience guiding clients' investments to this in-depth look at the needs of individuals receiving a lump-sum distribution from a qualified retirement plan. In clear and easy-to-understand language, Flores analyzes the lump-sum alternatives and investment strategies necessary to become an informed investor, including:

The rules and regulations of lump-sum distributions and IRA rollovers.
The penalties and pitfalls of early retirement and how to avoid them.
The differences between asset allocation and diversification.
How to build an investment portfolio blueprint and monitor accounts.
Understanding the importance of product selection: the advantages and disadvantages of individual securities, money managers, and packaged products such as mutual funds, index funds, unit trusts, and exchange traded funds.
Strategies for taking income out of retirement plans.

The Retirement Revolution is an especially useful resource for benefits and human resource directors to share with employees.

Download Description

Book Description

The Retirement RevolutionAre you retiring, losing your job, changing jobs, or being offered an early retirement package? The information in this book focuses on the needs of individuals that may be receiving a lump-sum distribution from a qualified retirement plan.In clear and easy to understand language, the author analyzes the lump-sum alternatives and investment strategies you must understand before you can become an informed investor: The rules and regulations of lump-sum distributions and IRA rolloversThe penalties and pitfalls of early retirement and how to avoid themThe differences between asset allocation and diversificationHow to build an investment portfolio blueprint and monitor your accountsUnderstanding the importance of product selection: the advantages and disadvantages of individual securities, money managers, and packaged products such as mutual funds, index funds, unit trusts, and exchange traded funds.Strategies for taking income out of your retirement plansAdditionally, if you are a retirement-planning professional a benefits or human resource director you will find this book to be a useful, easy-to-read resource to share with your employees.

Customer Reviews:

Highly Recommended!.......2003-05-26

This book gets the 5 star rating. It is clearly written and easy to understand. Not only does it cover the rules and regulations of lump-sum distributions, but it also clearly explains investment options and how to put together a portfolio.

Book Description

Baggett addresses the crisis of ethics in this book, which delivers 200 tips and reminders on how to adhere to a code of moral values, even when business pressures tempt compromise.

Average customer rating:

Missing the Big Picture

Interesting, but suspect

More Like Who Does Not Pay Taxes

Left winged or right winged this book is well researched

It's class warfare. In reverse.

America: Who Really Pays the Taxes?
Donald L. Barlett
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Taxes | Accounting | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Public Finance | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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The Great American Tax Dodge: How Spiraling Fraud and Avoidance Are Killing Fairness, Destroying the Income Tax, and Costing You

America: What Went Wrong?

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Perfectly Legal : The Covert Campaign to Rig Our Tax System to Benefit the Super Rich--and CheatEverybody Else

ASIN: 0671871579

Book Description

American: Who Really Pays the Taxes? is a disturbing, eye-opening look at a tax system gone out of control. Originally designed to spread the cost of government fairly, our tax code has turned into a gold mine of loopholes and giveaways manipulated by the influential and wealthy for their own benefit.

If you feel as if the tax laws are rigged against the average taxpayer, you're right:
-- Middle-income taxpayers pick up a growing share of the nation's tax bill, while our most profitable corporations pay little or nothing.
-- Your tax status is effected more by how many lawyers and lobbyists you can afford than by your resources or needs.
-- Our best-known and most successful companies pay more taxes to foreign governments than to our own.
-- Cities and states start bidding wars to attract business through tax breaks -- taxes made up for by the American taxpayer.

Who really pays the taxes? Barlett and Stelle, authors of the best-selling america: What Went Wrong?, offer a graphic expose of what's wrong with our tax system, how it got that way, and how to fix it.

Customer Reviews:

Missing the Big Picture.......2007-01-22

I find the author's primary thesis of "rich individuals and corporations shirking their rightful burden of taxes" to be undermined by the simple fact that those very same rich shoulder an enormous share of the financial burden of taxation. The top 1% of wage earners pay over a third of all federal income taxes, and the top 10% pay almost two thirds. I'm a university professor earning about $40K a year, and it seems pretty obvious to me that the wealthy are supporting the lower earners in this country when it comes to their fair share of the federal budget. Does a wealthy person use the army or highways more than I do? Than why should they pay so much more? I understand the attempts of the wealthy (like anyone) to reduce their taxes, and since the wealthy are still shouldering so much of the burden of taxation, I have to assume that their attempts are not quite as successful as the author would have us believe. It seems to me that this book, while well written, is focused too much on the small "tax dodges" and not enough on the big picture, which is that the wealthy are already shouldering more than their fair share of the country's budget.

Interesting, but suspect.......2004-04-08

I'm going to prelude this by saying I haven't completed reading this book yet, but want to express my opinion on what I have read so far. While the information contained is rather interesting and eye-opening, I have to take much of what is said with a grain of salt. The primary reason is that I have come accross several basic math errors in the author's conclusions (the difference between a 19.8% rate and 18.1% rate is NOT 9%). It's also rather dry reading (though I somewhat expected that, considering the topic) and repetitive (did the author really need to provide the exact quotes of 15 different people all saying (effectively) the same thing to make his point?).

More Like Who Does Not Pay Taxes.......2003-02-10

I had a concern coming into this book that is was going to be pages of dull tax code jargon that kill any reading joy I might find in a book that bashes politicians. Luckily the authorýs wrote the book for the average Joe and left out the tax code. The basic premise of he book is that there is a special set of rules that the rich have had written into the tax code so that they do not pay the stated rates on the progressive tax system in the USA. This should not surprise most of us as it is the rich and corporations that spend the money with the politicians to get them elected, thus the back scratching has its fingers in the tax code. Now days it is hard to bring this charge up without all the ýClass Warfareý bias charges being tossed at you and this book is probably no exception. To me the authors did not seam to really be that bias, just real mad.

As an average Joe many parts of the book did make me a bit mad, just on the basic fairness point of view. They are good tidbits to have handy next time you are in a discussion with a person that pulls out the ýrich already pay most of the taxesý lines. With that said I did feel that the authors might have been reaching on some of thier complaints about corporations. Like most things it is a matter of degrees and in some parts I thought they went one or two steps over the line. My biggest complaint of the book was the number of person quote examples they used. It was nice to see two or three comments from some Senators on this or that tax bill, but the authors always seemed to use 10 ý 15. It was too much, we all know the politicians all read from the same talking points memos so to spell it out in a book using examples was overkill. Overall the book was interesting but not earth shattering.

Left winged or right winged this book is well researched.......2002-01-23

America, Who Stole the Dream, was a WONDERFUL READ. I find myself leaning more to the right, from a political perspective, but the authors arguments are EXCELLENT at times and they definitely bring up some great points.

This book is the most well argued book I have read about the current demise of the middle class in the U.S. After reading it I would definitely have to say that I have more concern about political decisions being made in Washington as the authors illustrate that consistently the politicians don't do the right thing for the country.

The authors bring up several concerns

1. Middle class demise via outsourcing of manufacturing to lower cost areas
2. Growing disparity of wealth (the rich own more in % terms)
3. The outsourcing of the `HIGH TECH JOBS' that are to be the savior of the country.
4. Commentary about various social programs set up and how ineffective they are.

In conclusion I would say this book was extremely well researched and I therefore give KUDOS to the authors. While I don't agree with everything they wrote I believe they have put forth an excellent piece of work.

My main contention with the book is that it focuses on the demise of manufacturing and low-end jobs, along with some high tech. The U.S. is expensive from a labor perspective. As we have outsourced much of our manufacturing we have been able to purchase products at cheaper prices in the U.S.. Imagine what some products would cost if we were paying for labor that was, in some cases, 10x higher than current wages in developing countries? NOWHERE in the book do the authors mention the BENEFIT to our standard of living because we can buy more with our dollars than we would be able to do so otherwise. In general, this book is WAY to the left so reader beware.

My background is a B.S. in Acct., an MBA in finance and current interests in economic and social policy development so I found this to be quite an interesting read.

It's class warfare. In reverse........2001-05-26

If you are like me you might have wondered why the "tax relief" of the last twenty years never seemed to really show up in your paycheck. You might have wondered why it felt like more and more of your income seemed to go to pay sales taxes and property taxes and income taxes and fees. If you wondered about that then you are likely somewhere in the middle class or even poor. If you wondered why it seemed that way, it's because it really is that way. See, as the top marginal rates for the well to do and the rates of tax on corporations has been reduced over and over, the Federal distributions to the states and municipal governments have been cut over and over. Unfortunantly for the great unwashed masses of the middle class, the state and local governments can't just close shop and stop providing essential services so they did what they had to do. They raised state and local sales, income and property taxes in a regressive manner to make up the shortfall. But wait! There's more!

In the 80's, as the budget deficits soared beyond anyone's worst nightmare, something had to be done to mask the true size of the monster. The result? A spike in the "payroll taxes" used to pay for Social Security and Medicare! While technically "off budget" and held in trust, the shell game used these receipts to disguise the growing deficits by lumping them in with other tax revenue. Oh yeah...the wealthy don't pay this tax on the vast majority of their income.

Barlett and Steele do a very passable job of explaining the shell game that has been used to lead Americans down the primrose path while transferring an ever greater share of our nations wealth to the very few at the expense of the rest of us. Now, as we repeat the major blunders of the Reagan eras transfer of wealth to the well to do with the fiscally irresponsible Bush tax cut (if you think that there is really a surplus to pay for this thing you are in for a rude awakening), this book is a very timely read. I can't recommend it highly enough. Get a copy and find out why almost all of what you thought you knew and almost all of what our political leaders are telling you is simply wrong.

America now has the largest gap between rich and poor in the entire industrialized world. Tax policy is at least partly to blame and has accelerated the growth of that gap such that it has more than doubled in the last twenty years. Do yourself a favor by finding a copy of this book to find out why. It's much worse than I can tell you here in the words allowed to me. I think most people instinctively know the truth but they are in denial. It's ugly and it's time to face it.

Average customer rating:
America: Who Really Pays The Taxes -
Donald L. Barlett -
Manufacturer: Simon Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UMX5ZA

Customer Reviews:

silly, error-ridden, survey of Sinatra's romantic life.......2001-12-10

This is one of the most disappointing biographies I have ever
read. More than thirty years ago I read Arnold Shaw's
impressive biography of Sinatra which nicely blended his
many professional achievements with the challenges of his
private life.

I hoped that Taraborrelli, with this book, would build on
Shaw's work, but instead he chooses to focus almost entirely
on Sinatra's private life, protraying him as an angry
twerp. He says little about Sinatra's singing or his
acting or his skills as a businessman (no details at all on
Sinatra's founding of Reprise Records!).

Oddly, when Taraborrelli does have anything to say about
a Sinatra record, he breaks into his own narrative and offers
comments that suggest that he has no idea what Sinatra is
about, briefly praising virtually everything Sinatra recorded, and then very quickly returning to a sordid, boring narrative.

To emphasize an artist's personal life to the almost complete
exclusion of the professional is a disservice to the subject
and reader--imagine a biography of Hemingway or Picasso that
only talks about their romances, ignoring their books and
paintings.

Although this book is graced by a handsome cover photo of
Sinatra, that is pretty much the only thing good about it.
In this case, the reader should very much not judge the book
by its cover!

5 STARS * * * * *.......2001-07-14

Let me tell you, THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. This biography is one of the most respectful, carefully written *TELL ALL* books I've ever read. This book tells you soooooo much info on Frank, it's unbelievable! It's almost as if you're standing in the studio with him, or in the middle of one of his notorious fights w/ Ava Gardner. You feel like you're RIGHT THERE. I thought I knew a lot about Mr. Sinatra, but I was proven wrong. Randy Taraborrelli (the author) gave it to you straight; he threw the whole story at you, but unlike a LOT of other books, he supplied proof to back it up. He interviewed many of Sinatra's old friends from his neighborhood in Hoboken, as well as fellow actors and musicians who knew Sinatra best. On top of all of that, there are 2 sections of black and white pictures and 1 color section. To sum things up...the author obviously had respect and admiration for Frank Sinatra, but he didn't hold back Frank's bad qualities...he let them all come out, all the while praising, respecting, and keeping Ol' Blue Eyes' memory alive!!!! A+

Good Book for F. Sinatra Info........2001-01-25

I am 75% through this book and so far it has been a wealth of knowledge. I can't say that it is all fact because each story carries testimonies from different people. However the book gives youa good idea on the type of man he was. His greatness and his faults.

Alright book, but too sleezy!.......2000-02-27

The book is written well. Its full of nice photos. However, there is far too much curse words, and attention on his sexual life, thus making the book into a 500+ page tabloid! Sinatra is a man of music, but lets not forget he was a brilliant actor as well. The book hardly focuses on that aspect of his career (the films) Instead, the author devotes much of his energy focusing into Franks love life, which I don't think should be looked too deeply. Why, because you or anybody else (including the author) would want his/her love life on the spotlight. The book would have been alot better if the author devoted his energy on taking out the sleezy jazz, and concentrate more on his films.

Sinatra: A Complete Life Is not all that complete.......1999-12-02

Sinatra:Behind the Legened (repackaged as Sinatra: A Complete Life, after the singer's death in May of 1998) has the same failings as Kitty Kelley's infamous 1986 book.

There is much about Sinatra the womanizer, Sinatra the brawler, Sinatra the friend of hoodlums, but comparatively little about Sinatra the musician.

Tabraborelli makes some passing references to various albums and concerts (he makes many errors by the way in discussing these), but the book is long on gossip and short on music.

However, it's breezily written and contains never never published before anecdotes...highlight: the interview with Barry Keenan, the mastermind of Frank Jr's kidnapping.

For those really interested in Sinatra, the musician...check out Will Friedwald's Sinatra: the Song is You and Chuck Granata's forhcoming "Sessions With Sinatra."

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