The Divided Welfare State: The Battle over Public and Private Social Benefits in the United States

Book Description

The Divided Welfare State is the first comprehensive political analysis of America's distinctive system of public and private social benefits. Everyone knows that the American welfare state is unusual--less expensive and extensive, later to develop and slower to grow, than comparable programs abroad. Yet, U.S. social policy does not stand out solely for its limits. American social spending is actually as high as spending is in many European nations. What is truly distinctive is that so many social welfare duties are handled not by the state, but by the private sector with government support. With sweeping historical reach and a wealth of statistical and cross-national evidence, The Divided Welfare State demonstrates that private social benefits have not merely been shaped by public policy, but have deeply influenced the politics of public social programs--to produce a social policy framework whose political and social effects are strikingly different than often assumed. At a time of fierce new debates about social policy, this book is essential to understanding the roots of America's distinctive model and its future possibilities. Jacob S. Hacker is the Peter Strauss Family Assistant Profesor of Political Science at Yale University. Previously, he was a Junior Fellow of the Harvard Society of Fellows and Fellow at the New America Foundation as well as a Guest Scholar and Research Fellow at the Brookings Institution. He is the author of The Road to Nowhere: The Genesis of President Clinton's Plan for Health Security (Princeton, 1997), which was co-winner of the 1997 Louis Brownlow Book Award of the National Academy of Public Administration. His articles and opinion pieces have appeared in The New Republic, The Nation, the Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and Washington Post. A regular media commentator, he has discussed his work widely on C-Span, national public radio and in papers nationwide.

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Customer Reviews:

Some new insights, book too long and ponderous.......2007-07-23

Jacob Hacker's book is on the development of the American welfare state in the 20th century, specifically pensions and health care. He has three major arguments.

First, unlike Western Europe, America provides social welfare by a mix of direct state spending and private spending, which is regulated by the state and encouraged by tax policy. Social Security is the pre-eminent example of the former; tax-advantaged 401(k) plans are a good example of the latter.

Second, there is a great difference between pension policy and health care policy. Pensions are provided primarily by the state, through Social Security, with private pensions being on top of and in addition to Social Security. Health care, on the other hand, is provided primarily by private employer-based insurance programs, which are encouraged by being given favorable tax treatment, with the state providing additional care for those not covered by the private system, primarily the old and the poor.

Third, there is a continual interplay between the public and the private spheres, in which what is politically possible today is shaped by the vested interests brought into being by the laws of yesterday. Social Security, for example, was politically possible in the 1930s, because -- among other things -- there was no large private pension system with which Social Security competed. Universal heatlh care is very difficult to get through Congress, today, because we have a huge system of private health care, whose stakeholders tend to resist change.

Much of the book is genuinely new; Hacker's ideas are well worth reading. Unfortunately, the book is not well written. First, it is about 100 pages longer than it needs to be; Hackerr badly needs an editor to chop down some of his redundancies and windy prose. Second, Hacker lays great stress on poli sci theory and jargon. He has a long and tedious explanation of the theory of "path dependency." The idea involved -- that past decisions limit future options -- is a good one, but the pomposity of the jargon is hard to tolerate.

As a social scientist, Hacker professes to be writing ideologically neutral, pure analysis. That is nonsense. Hacker is a liberal. The big question, which guides his entire inquiry, is, why is American social policy inferior to the moral norm provided to us by Europe? All enlightened people know that Europe sets the standard for the world, by providing direct state support for health care and pensions. Why does America fall short of this univerally accepted moral standard? That is the question underneath everything which Hacker writes.

Europe has an unemployment rate several times higher than America. The growth rate of the European economy has lagged behind that of America for so long now that our standard of living is now about 30% higher than most European nations. Europe is producing so few children that, as its population ages, and there are fewer and fewer working age people to support more and more retired people, the entire social welfare system there is on the brink of demographically driven economic collapse. Even in France, long the bastion of opposition to the evil Anglo-Saxon system, there is a new President, who wants to make France more like America. Considered objectively, the European model of social welfare has failed; its time is over, and no sane person looks to it as a model for the future.

But, none of this matters to Hacker. America is morally inferior. That is just a given. After all, this is science.

Informative, Engaging, and Timely!.......2003-07-14

At a time of renewed debate over Medicare and Social Security, this is an important and insightful look at the origins and effects of America¡¯s distinctive public-private system of social welfare. Hacker¡¯s main point is that the American ¡°welfare regime¡± (he prefers this formulation to the common term, ¡°welfare state¡±) is a lot larger than most people think because, unlike most European nations, the United States relies heavily on private social benefits provided by employers, for example, private health insurance. The book carefully explains why private benefits play such a large role in the United States, why the role of private benefits differs between the two biggest areas of U.S. social policy -- health insurance and retirement pensions -- and what difference all this makes for the politics of U.S. social policy and the nature of present political debates. The book is original and well-researched. And even if you delve into the more theoretical parts of the book, it's a joy to read -- a rare combination of academic rigor, lucid prose, and clear thinking about current affairs.

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The HIPAA Focused Training Series consists of traditionally structured courses with similar content to the HIPAA story courses to accommodate those who learn well without stories.

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Drive through the Sierra Morena in winter and hear the pebbles from swollen streams crashing on the car roof, bake by day in the mid-summer heat of Old Castle, unwind on a thyme-scented Guadalajara hillside to the flute-like tinkling of sheep bells at dusk.

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Next best thing to a personal coach

Dave's a Great Motivator

for serious walkers

excellent book for beginners and elite

Great overview of Racewalking in the US

The Complete Guide to Racewalking: Technique and Training
Dave McGovern
Manufacturer: World Class Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Walking | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Motor Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Rayovac SPHLTLED 3-in-1 LED Head-Lite

ASIN: 0966217608

Customer Reviews:

Next best thing to a personal coach.......2005-09-02

The Complete Guide to Racewalking covers the whole gamut of racewalking from how to do it, to how to train, what to eat, how to compete and even discusses the physiology and psychology of walking. Racewalking differs from athletic walking, power walking or fitness walking. These are fast ways of walking for recreation or fitness. Racewalkingis an Olympic sport and has an official definition and rules by the USATF. Good racewalkers achieve amazing speed and endurance.

The author is a former cross country runner and has been a world class racewalker and coach for over 25 years. This book is the straight scoop. I got interested in racewalking because after years of running I developed knee and hip problems. Racewalking was reputed to be injury free and excellent exercise. I had attended a couple of racewalking clinics but still hadn't got the hang of it. I wanted a detailed description of racewalking technique and found it in this book. While there's no substitute for having an experienced racewalker show you in person how it's done, this book is the next best thing

Dave's a Great Motivator.......2004-05-07

I bought this book based on the Amazon.com reviews and I was NOT disappointed. I wanted to learn how to walk faster and have been able to achieve my initial goals in the few months I have been following Dave's training and technique advice. The book is well written, has many amusing bits, so is a good read as well as being of immense practical value. I keep referring back to it over and over.

for serious walkers.......2003-10-10

If you care about walking fast, and especially if you care about your place in walking races (judged racewalks or otherwise) then this book is for you.

This book isn't designed to sell anyone on walking as a sport; this is written for readers who already know that they want to spend time and effort into learning to walk fast.

There are sections on many of the aspects of walking; e. g. technique, drills to perfect technique, common racewalking errors, and a few workout schedules. The book is written in a conversational style. He also includes interviews with elite racewalkers.

There is also a handy chart which outlines: "if you have problem X, correct it with Y" which is VERY helpful; this helped me in getting zero cautions or redcards in my last 4 judged walks.

If there is a downside it is that some of the photos are a bit small; I'd also recommend that he upgrade his "poor technique" example photo to look a bit worse; perhaps he could use a photo of a thick-skinned novice walker.

excellent book for beginners and elite.......1999-01-29

This book is chock full of information on how to racewalk. I have racewalked for 6 years, but found the information to be outstanding from training tips to stretching and flexibility drills. Walkers who don't actually compete in events would benefit from the information provided and would become better, more efficient walkers. Runners would also benefit from learning the how to racwalk and use it as a cross-trainer. A highly enjoyable read.

Great overview of Racewalking in the US.......1999-01-12

I've been to Dave's clinics, I've spoken with him personally, and reading "The Complete Guide to Racewalking Technique and Training" is just like having him right next to you, cracking jokes and commenting on everything. If you do not have the option of working out with other racewalkers regularly, definately pick up this book and re-read it a few times. You'll always pick up something new.

The Complete Guide to Racewalking Technique & Training

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The Complete Guide to Racewalking Technique & Training
Dave McGovern
Manufacturer: World Class Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0966217616

Customer Reviews:

Great book!!!.......2006-12-27

I found this book to be fantastic!!!! The green pages at the back give many great ideas for teachers of literacy.

Very useful.......2006-03-11

I needed to order this book for a class. It is well written and easy to read. As a reading teacher I can say that I will keep this book as a reference long after the class has ended. This edition comes with a CD (or DVD) which I have not previewed yet, but the instructor of my class raves about it.

A must have!!.......2003-03-08

I was first introduced to this book in one of my graduate literacy courses and I have been hooked every since. The teachers at my school pass it around constantly looking for ideas. My favorite aspect of this book is the fact that there are real teachers giving real examples of what works in their classrooms. There are no strategies that seem too hard implement in your classroom, because the layout is right there!! You know it can be done and it words because the examples in the book are proof! You don't feel like you are reading about some ideal or Utopia of a classroom. You are reading about REAL classrooms. I absolutely love it!

Excellent resource for teachers.......2002-11-17

This is an excellent resource. It is concise and contains a wealth of information. I teach second grade and am working on a Master's degree in literacy. I am finding this book to be invaluable. Much of the information is sorted into charts for easy referencing. So many of the books I have read lately seem to ramble on and on. This book makes it's point and moves on to other salient information. I get rid of so many of the professional books I purchase after I read them. This one is a keeper. It is very pertinent to the current trend in improving the literacy of our children.

Chock-full of good information!.......2001-09-27

We dived right into this book in our Teaching Reading credential course. This book is worth the price just for the internet resources (web sites, discussion boards, etc.) alone! Includes a great appendix which defines key terms, such as book talks, word webs, readers' theatre, etc. These are the "buzzwords" that are important for the RICA examination. A wonderful resource!

Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach- Text Only

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Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach- Text Only

Manufacturer: Pearson; Merrill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Literacy | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0007071434

Product Description

Book Description Literacy for the 21st Century is the number #1 reading book preferred by teacher educators, future teachers, and in-service teachers. The book continues to offer the most balanced approach to literacy instruction on the market today, while providing the clearest look into successful literacy teaching. The new 4th Edition has been thoroughly revised to address the realities of today's classroom and to provide invaluable practical resources your students will want to keep for use in their own classroom. For Literacy Teachers, In-service & Pre-service Teachers, and Reading Specialists.

Literacy for the 21st Century A Balanced Approach Package w/ CD and Teacher Prep website access

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Literacy for the 21st Century A Balanced Approach Package w/ CD and Teacher Prep website access
Gail E. Tompkins
Manufacturer: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0131890050

Literacy For The 21st Century: Balanced Approach

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Literacy For The 21st Century: Balanced Approach
Gail E. Tompkins
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPWMJ8

Literacy For The 21st Century - A Balanced Approach

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Literacy For The 21st Century - A Balanced Approach
Gail E, Tompkins
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHSCMW

Book Description

As the success of blockbusters like The Da Vinci Code shows, the incomparable and enigmatic Leonardo da Vinci continues to captivate. In this widely acclaimed biography, Charles Nicholl uncovers the man behind the myth of the “Renaissance master.” Painter, sculptor, inventor, draftsman, anatomist—Leonardo's life and career encompassed so many of the creative achievements that made his era spectacular. Nicholl skillfully captures it all while tracing his subject's journey from an illegitimate child in Tuscany to his service with some of the most powerful families of Renaissance Europe. Rich with historical background, packed with black-and-white and color illustrations, and utterly engaging, this is the definitive look at a figure whose genius reaches out to us through the centuries.

Customer Reviews:

Maybe it's just me.......2007-02-15

There are more life details in this book than I ever wanted to read. This made for a bit of a slow, boring read. I'm still looking for a good biography on Da Vinci.

A winner...!.......2006-04-03

It has been a long time since my survey of art history and architecture classes, and so, in preparation for a trip to Italy, it seemed like a good idea to read about the great Leonardo. This book served as a window in my planning as well as a way to gain greater understanding of the five-hundred years worth of tradition and scholarly debate surrounding da Vinci.

First of all it is important to say that Charles Nicholl has done a fantastic job of ferreting out obscure documents and records that give us facts and clues to untangle the misinformation about Leonardo da Vinci. One has a sense of being in the hands of a master of the art of separating wheat and chaff, as Nicholl sifts until we, the readers, are given only that which is worthwhile. The rest lightly falls away.

As a result, the reader gets to know much about da Vinci's family, his hometown and early years; much about his training and his methods of working; much about his likes and dislikes--in short, we get to know da Vinci the man as well as da Vinci the artist. Nicholl discusses the developmental impact of da Vinci's illegitimacy and its possible influence upon his subsequent choices in subject and themes as an artist. While not shying away from these or other details of da Vinci's personal life, he does so in a way that these serve as windows into the man and his work.

The book is well-illustrated, especially so for what is not a coffee table book-it has two generous selections of color plates and a profusion of black and white photography as well, that helps the reader see the interrelationships between da Vinci's well known and lesser known works. While there is an excellent quantity of information about da Vinci's speculative explorations of anatomy and his work on machines ranging from warfare to flying, the book centers upon his brilliance in the art of painting and drawing.

There is a first-rate overview of each of the best known works, and much to help the reader appreciate the background of the Mona Lisa and Last Supper, as well as the Annunciation, the Adoration, the Madonna of the Rocks, and the different versions of the Virgin with St. Anne, et al. The antecedents, models, and borrowings from one work to another provide a harmony of understanding. Many of the less well known works are also brought to the fore so that the reader has a larger sense of da Vinci's oeuvre.

The account of the concealed fresco of the Palazzo Vecchio is gripping, with the research still-evolving; it is the kind of chronicle that sends the reader looking for supplementary information. Nicholl relates the friction between the two Florentine geniuses, da Vinci and Michelangelo, showing a clash of temperament that fleshes out the character of both men.

One comes away from the book with a profound sense that da Vinci, while adding beauty and wonder to the lives of many, and while exhibiting a boundless curiosity about all things, was nonetheless a man whose life was also fraught with a self-imposed distancing from others, and a measure of melancholy.

Throughout, the interrelationship between da Vinci and his contemporary Renaissance artists, as well as political leaders, is so well presented that the reader is given a large tapestry of the life and times of da Vinci.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

Wow.......2006-01-30

I haven't read many biogrpahies on Leonardo Da Vinci. In fact this is the first one but based on other reviews here and from what I've read in the book myself - this has to be one of the very best Biography book on Leonardo Da Vinci, so I would highly recommend it to all.

Flying above and beyond.......2006-01-06

Although lengthy enough to use as a satisfactory doorstop, it was worth the reading. Not only a biography of Da Vinci's life, the author traces the evolution (sometimes convolutions)of his thought processes, as well as the social background of his more famous artistic works. Nicholl's inclusion of information on the subsequent history and restorations of paintings helped to anchor it in the present. While Fruedian interpretations are always murky at best (as oft pointed out: sometimes a cigar is just a cigar) their inclusion was also entertaining. Highly recommended - an excellent launching into the 1400's.

Renaissance Leadership.......2005-08-26

Renaissance leadership created by the d'Medici but was propelled by da Vinci from drawings to designs to catapults. "His brillance must have been noticed but one senses a note of exclusion: a young man who doesn't quite fit." (p. 167) Da Vinci was different. The book analyzes in detail the major portion of his work as a study of art and circumstance. From birth to death, the book folds itself around every aspect, every friend and every patron of da Vinci's art. The book is exhaustive. it shows what a world a half-millennium in the past could have been. The author suggests that world was scruffy but sophisticated at the same time. Eric J. Lindblom PhD Harvard

Leonardo. El vuelo de la mente (Leonardo da Vinci : Flights of the Mind)

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Leonardo. El vuelo de la mente (Leonardo da Vinci : Flights of the Mind)
Charles Nicholl
Manufacturer: Taurus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Biografías y memorias | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Product Description

This biography traces the endlessly curious individual behind the legendary Renaissance genius and universal man. It traces Leonardo's remarkable journey from his obscure beginnings as an illegitimate child to his final days. Nicholls discoveries penetrate Leonardo's personality, homosexuality and the extraordinary "flights" of his mind. He also paints a vivid recreation of the day-to-day minutiae of his life. Description in Spanish: Leonardo da Vinci es el artista más importante, más polifacético y más misterioso de todo el Renacimiento, pero, sorprendentemente, ésta es la primera biografía extensa que se ha escrito sobre él desde hace décadas. Charles Nicholl ha buceado durante cinco años entre todos los manuscritos, pinturas y artefactos para crear un «retrato íntimo» de Leonardo. A través de materiales de la época los cuadernos y bocetos del pintor, relatos de testigos y las primeras biografías, se introduce en el espíritu y la textura física de su vida y descubre infinidad de nuevos aspectos sobre su vida, su obra y su círculo de amistades

LEONARDO DA VINCI. The Flights of the Mind.

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LEONARDO DA VINCI. The Flights of the Mind.
Charles: Nicholl
Manufacturer: Pan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000W2ZXXA

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