This book presents a strong defense for representative democracy. It argues that not only is representative democracy the best option available, but that much of the criticisms of the the legislative branch is based on inaccurate perceptions.
The public has become less trustful of government. Polls show about 75% of the public during the 1960s trusted government. In 1973, 42% of those polled had "a great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence in Congress, In mid-2001, 26% stated that had a "great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence in Congress.
The public distaste for politics along with the mean spiritedness of campaigns discourages many capable people from even entering politics. Further, many who do select public service as a career are finding the burdens of service are causing them to leave public careers prematurely. The loss of dedicated public servants weakens the legislative process as well as reduces the public image of legislatures.
While the public may be disillusioned with representative democracy, and while politicians may similarly have reservations, the alternatives are no better. The authors argue that the option of Executive dominance can lead to concentrated and abused power. The alternative of direct democracy may be cumbersomely unpractical and may be more readily manipulated by powerful interests.
Negative campaign advertising is cited as a major influence in the declining appreciation and respect for politics and for government. Political scientist Richard Fenno has found that negative campaigning is further affecting government, as candidates are elected by claiming their opposition to the institutions to which they seek eleciton and, upon election, their negativity hampers their abilities to serve in office.
The authors note the very nature of legislative politics is bound to create negative public perceptions. Most legislation that is passed reflects compromises and the mere act of compromising often leads proponents and opponents both feeling disappointed. Legislative work thus usually wins few friends, yet it produces important results.
Despite its complexities and nuances, representative democracy does work. The legislative branch does a good job of bridging the gap between the public and policy makers. The alternative of administrative control concentrates power too much and the alternative of direct participation is too cumbersome. Representative democracy may not be perfect, as this book discusses, but it is the best system there is. Readers wishing to explore these discussions will greatly appreciate this book.

We used this book in our urban ed class (and its been used in previous sections). ALL of the class agreed that the book was great, fantastic, etc. The lessons taught are great. The story is well told. BUT.. there are questions left unanswered in the book... where's the sequel? What happened to Meghan? Is the playground still there.. (shoulda had a picture of it)? Is John still doing any teaching at Compton Avenue Elementary? We want to know.. The book is great!

This is the new Tom Wolfe novel I've been waiting for since "Bonfire of the Vanities," even though it's not a novel and Tom Wolfe didn't write it. This vivid recounting of battles waged by a group of New York's homeless is a hilarious page-turner, not what you would expect. Author John Jiler, a freelance writer for the Village Voice, writes first-hand about events he lived, and fills the book with deeply known, extraordinary characters, in Quixotic combat with New York Mayor Ed Koch. The unwelcome residents of "Kochville," a park across the street from City Hall, come together for an overnight vigil in pouring rain, and stay together week after week to create a community for themselves and each other which none of them even dreamed possible. Great reading!

Jackson does an excellent job of uncovering the critical role that social scientific research played in the Supreme Court's classic Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954. While many people equate the Brown decision with Clark's classic doll studies, Jackson provides an extremely even-handed look at role that Clark played in the decision, as well as pointing out the numerous studies carried out by other scholars that influenced the Supreme Court. An excellent read for anyone who is interested in this classic decision.

Great reading for PR, Advertising, Marketing professionals and Strategic Planners. One of the important titles to know and understand what is going on regarding Public Relations and Marketing Communications on a global platform. Demonstrates how to create powerful projects and how to make them work.

Dr. Johnson has written a moving portrait of Tinker v. Des Moines, a major 1960s Supreme Court decision. The "Struggle" that he discusses deals with the right of non-violent expression while in the confines of a public school. The narrative is richly grounded in newspaper articles, interviews, and letters to and from the primary individuals. This makes the story extremely personal and enlightening. An in-depth look into the workings of the Supreme Court may be the book's most profound contribution. Taking a controversial stand in time of war is never easy. The Tinker case shows that the heart of our democracy rests with those who dare to point us in a different direction.

I Teach Total Quality Management in Islamic Azad University of Iran. I use thise book for teaching. Thise book is a good reference for students.

Tough Decisions is an outstanding book made even better in this long awaited second edition.

Unlike most collections of case studies, this volume does not simply present a variety of vignettes to be analyzed and evaluated. Instead, the reader is required to actually make tough decisions and then follow up on the consequences. Decisions often lead to further decisions and then still further decisions. Different readers will thus follow different paths through the text. The situations themselves are realistically described and include multidimensional characters and well-written dialogue.

The cases will provide a rich basis for discussion if this is used as a classroom text, but this is also an engaging and readable book for anyone interested in the tough decisions faced in healthcare every day.

Recently I was browsing for a book for a lifelong friend and came across this book. As I read through this book I truly felt that it had all the words to express how much I cherish & treasure the friendship I have with him. This book puts famous quotes from the Bible as well as noteworthy people from the past and present. I found it to be a wonderful gift to send to my longtime friend as a true expression of myself and what our friendship means. I would highly recommend it to anyone that has had the great privilege of having a good friend.

Only therapists who are themselves sex offender specialists could understand the mind of the offender so well and explain how he twists his partner and family to his purposes. Here the partner is treated as a vulnerable human being who has to be understood and supported if she is to learn to protect her children and herself. She might wish she didn't have to lose her partner and her lifestyle. The book helps her to be realistic by first helping the therapist to truly understand the dangers posed by the child molester. The authors introduce and explain the importance of risk assessment and polygraphy. More depth on risk assessment would have been appreciated. Still, it's sensible, readable, thoughtful--a must for anyone working with this population.