Displaying the top 100 results that match your query. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/rssapi.jsp?Re=3295&N=3+5712+4294967242 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1667627 Bancroft Prize-winning historian and legal expert Michael Klarman here offers an illuminating and engaging account of modern litigation over same-sex marriage. After looking at the treatment of gays in the decades after World War II and the birth of the modern gay rights movement with the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969, Klarman describes the key legal cases involving gay marriage and the dramatic political backlashes they ignited. He examines the Hawaii Supreme Courts ruling in 1993, which sparked a vast political backlash--with more than 35 states and Congress enacting defense-of-marriage acts--and the Massachusetts decision in Goodridge in 2003, which inspired more than 25 states to adopt constitutional bans on same-sex marriage. Klarman traces this same pattern--court victory followed by dramatic backlash--through cases in Vermont, California, and Iowa, taking the story right up to the present. He also describes some of the collateral political damage caused by court decisions in favor of gay marriage--Iowa judges losing their jobs, Senator Majority Leader Tom Daschle losing his seat, and the possibly dispositive impact of gay marriage on the 2004 presidential election. But Klarman also notes several ways in which litigation has accelerated the coming of same-sex marriage: forcing people to discuss the issue, raising the hopes and expectations of gay activists, and making other reforms like civil unions seem more moderate by comparison. In the end, Klarman discusses how gay marriage is likely to evolve in the future, predicts how the U.S. Supreme Court might ultimately resolve the issue, and assesses the costs and benefits of activists pursuing social reforms such as gay marriage through the courts-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1712797 For over 65 years, the United States war machine has been on auto pilot. Since World War II, the world has believed that US foreign policy means well, and that Americas motives in spreading democracy are honorable, even noble. In this startling and provocative book from William Blum, one of the United States leading non-mainstream chroniclers of American foreign policy and author of the popular online newsletter, Anti-Empire Reports, demonstrates that nothing could be further from the truth. Americas Deadliest Export is the in-depth exposé of the many contradictions surrounding the nature of US foreign policy. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1693130 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1711354 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1706097 For twenty-five years, John E. Douglas worked for the FBI, where he headed the elite Investigative Support Unit. The real-life model for FBI Agent Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, hes had a brilliant and terrifying career, getting inside the minds of notorious murderers and serial killers including Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and David Berkowitz (Son of Sam). Written with long-time collaborator Mark Olshaker, Law & Disorder is Douglas most provocative and personal book to date. In it, he addresses every law enforcement professionals worst nightmare: those cases where, for one reason or another, justice was delayed...or even denied. Through a series of character-driven case histories--from the earliest trials in Salem, Massachusetts to the bungled trial of Amanda Knox--Douglas shows what happens when the system breaks down and bias, media coverage, and other influences get in the way of a dispassionate pursuit of the evidence. Here also are Douglas personal reflections on his ongoing search for the truth--from painful lessons learned early in his career to his controversial findings in the West Memphis Three and Jon Benet Ramsey investigations. Brimming with procedural detail, Law & Disorder is an eye-opening insiders account of the exhilaration and frustration that attend the quest for justice.--from publishers description http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1706119 The media dropped the ball in covering the 2012 election by focusing exclusively on trifles and distorations instead of serious, substantive journalism, writes David Freddoso, editorial page editor of The Washington Examiner, and in doing so failed in their responsibility to keep politicians honest and the public well-informed. Freddoso, a New York Times bestselling author and former congressional reporter for National Review, fills this volume not only with outrageous examples of media bias, but also with dozens of real stories that genuinely inquisitive reporters should have relished but that the overwhelmingly liberal press didnt even bother to cover. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1687144 From the editor-at-large of Breitbart.com, a timely and compelling look at how liberals use bullying toward their opponents on todays top political issues-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1711457 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1682784 A visionary and completely original investigation that will change the way we think about health care: how and why it is failing, why expanding insurance coverage will only make things worse, and how it can be transformed into a transparent, affordable, successful system-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1734530 Traces the crisis period leading up to Americas entry into World War II, describing the nations polarized interventionist and isolationist factions as represented by the government, in the press, and on the streets. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1716029 The attorney general of Virginia documents his fight against the overreach of the Obama administration, arguing that the goals of redistributing wealth and concentrating power in Washington are contrary to the Constitution. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1713197 For twenty-five years, John E. Douglas worked for the FBI, where he headed the elite Investigative Support Unit. Hes had a brilliant and terrifying career, getting inside the minds of notorious murderers and serial killers. Through a series of character-driven case histories--from the earliest trials in Salem, Massachusetts, to the bungled trial of Amanda Knox--Douglas shows what happens when the system breaks down and bias, media coverage, and other influences get in the way of a dispassionate pursuit of the evidence. Here also are Douglas personal reflections on his ongoing search for the truth, from painful lessons learned early in his career to his controversial findings in the West Memphis Three and JonBenet Ramsey investigations. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1682485 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1684232 Explores the concept of fairness as it relates to the U.S. economic system, discussing why free market systems that support success based on merit and personal achievement are the fairest. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1714230 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1647919 In this blockbuster follow-up to the New York Times-bestseller The Roots of Obamas Rage, DSouza reveals how President Obamas recent actions prove his anti-colonialist roots and predicts how much worse America will be if President Obama wins a second term. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1657343 The U.S. Senator from Kentucky defends his assertion that the government is out of control and running amok through thousands of regulations that serve as a source of unconstitutional abuse of the good, honest, tax-paying citizens of America. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1649022 An insiders account of the momentous ideological war between the John Roberts Supreme Court and the Obama administration. From the moment John Roberts, the Chief Justice of the United States, flubbed the Oath of Office at Barack Obamas inauguration, the relationship between the Supreme Court and the White House has been confrontational. Both men are young, brilliant, charismatic, charming, determined to change the course of the nation--and completely at odds on almost every major constitutional issue. One is radical; one essentially conservative. The surprise is that Obama is the conservative--a believer in incremental change, compromise, and pragmatism over ideology. Roberts--and his allies on the Court--seek to overturn decades of precedent: in short, to undo the victory FDR achieved in the New Deal. And now they are linked in history by Robertss stunning vote to uphold Obamacare. As the nation prepares to vote for President in 2012, the future of the Supreme Court is also on the ballot--From publisher description. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1694441 This is the first book to explore President Obamas abilities as a leader, by unearthing new details of his biggest successes and failures. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1550145 Shows how, since 9/11, America has learned to take on the terrorists in ever more lethally incisive operations which have culminated in the death of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2011. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1694442 Radio talk show host and Fox News Channel contributor Mike Gallagher uses his trademark humor to take the listener inside the life and mind of the American liberal, coming up with fifty definitive things liberals just love to hate. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1674542 Argues that real change can only come when party lines are ignored and people from both sides of the aisle band together to enact common sense policies. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1646969 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1667968 A look how social scientists and renegade thinkers are imposing a new data-driven order on the American political campaign--an industry previously run on gut instinct-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1685414 Confused or uncertain about Social Security? This friendly, easy-to-understand guide cuts through the complexities and gives you the practical information you need to make the most of the program and make smart decisions about retirement. Youll find advice on when to start collecting benefits, get the facts on working in retirement, learn how potential changes could affect you, and see how Social Security fits into your plan for economic security. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668184 As todays Tea Party movement demonstrates, Republicans and Democrats are out of touch with a huge section of the electorate. Despite two-party dominance in Washington, a full 38 percent of Americans identify themselves as independents who hold no allegiance to either the Democrats or the Republicans. Yet, as large as this group has become, they are only vaguely understood. Independent insider Jacqueline Salit chronicles the history of the independent movement on both ends of the spectrum, and explores what these unclaimed voters mean for the future of American politics. She argues that over the last 30 years, an increasing number of Americans have come to feel disenfranchised, and that opting for a third party candidate, whether it be Ross Perot or Ralph Nader, is a way to send a message of their discontent to Washington. She also shows how independent voters too often underestimate their own political power, and offers a blueprint for how groups across the country can make their voices and issues heard-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1577302 In this guide, journalist Brian Doherty details Pauls career, traces the evolution of his ideas, and explores his significance in American politics. -- Provided by publisher. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668196 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1674543 A close presidential election in November could well come down to contested states or even districts--an election decided by vote theft? It could happen this year. Based on Greg Palast and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.s investigative reporting for Rolling Stone and BBC television, Billionaires & Ballot Bandits: Election Games 2012 might be the most important book published this year--one that could save the election._ Billionaires & Ballot Bandits names the filthy-rich sugar-daddies who are super-funding the Super-PACs of both parties--billionaires with nicknames like The Ice Man, The Vulture and, of course, The Brothers Koch. Told with Palasts no-holds-barred, reporter-on-the-beat style, the facts as he lays them out are staggering. What emerges in Billionaires & Ballot Bandits is the never-before-told-story of the epic battle being fought behind the scenes between the old money banking sector that still supports Obama, and the new hedge fund billionaires like Paul Singer who not only support Romney but also are among his key economic advisors. Although it has not been reported, Obama has shown some backbone in standing up to the financial excesses of the men behind Romney. Billionaires & Ballot Bandits exposes the previously unreported details on how operatives plan to use the hundreds of millions in Super-PAC money pouring into this election. We know the money is pouring in, but Palast shows us the convoluted ways the money will be used to suppress your vote. The story of the billionaires and why they want to buy an election is matched with the nine ways they can steal the election. His story of the sophisticated new trickery will pick up on Palasts giant New York Times bestseller, The Best Democracy Money Can Buy-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1657340 In this third volume of his award-winning American Crisis series, James Gustave Speth makes his boldest and most ambitious contribution yet. He looks unsparingly at the sea of troubles in which the United States now finds itself, charts a course through the discouragement and despair commonly felt today, and envisions what he calls America the Possible, an attractive and plausible future that we can still realize.The book identifies a dozen features of the American political economy--the countrys basic operating system--where transformative change is essential. It spells out the specific changes that are needed to move toward a new political economy--one in which the true priority is to sustain people and planet. Supported by a compelling theory of change that explains how system change can come to America, the book also presents a vision of political, social, and economic life in a renewed America. Speth envisions a future that will be well worth fighting for. In short, this is a book about the American future and the strong possibility that we yet have it in ourselves to use our freedom and our democracy in powerful ways to create something fine, a reborn America, for our children and grandchildren--Provided by publisher. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668550 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1682688 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1615674 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1599630 In this book, the author focuses on southern Afghanistan in the year of Obamas surge. This is the story of the long arc of American involvement, and of the campaign to salvage a victory in southern Afghanistan on Obamas watch., and reveals the epic tug of war that occurred between the President and a military that, once on the ground, increasingly went its own way. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1605129 For conservative Wisconsin native and former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, the post-9/11 era meant a new reality for a devout Muslim and a patriot--a certain betrayal within his faith, and a need to answer a question that crossed the minds of even the most sensitive and politically correct: Can a good Muslim be a good American as well? Jasser founded the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) to instill in young American Muslims an appreciation for the positive impact that this nations ideals of liberty have had upon the world. As a nationally recognized expert on Muslim radicalization, he offers non-Muslims a comprehension of the difference between Islam and the spiritual cancer known as Islamism, or political Islam, and how violence and extremism run counter to Islams true teachings. As he argues, until we acknowledge the threat of Islamism in all its forms, the majority of Americans will be gulled into recognizing only the most obvious: terrorism.--From publisher description. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1657479 This book examines the struggle between President Obama and the United States Congress to manage federal spending and tax policy for the three and one half years between 2009 and the summer of 2012. More than half the book focuses on the intense 44-day crisis in June and July 2011 when the United States came to the brink of a potentially catastrophic default on its debt.--Note to readers. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1684410 Claims that the Obama administration is attempting to increase the influence of cities over suburban areas, redistributing tax dollars to devalue the suburbs and transform American society. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1667427 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1648076 In a sweeping narrative about the people and the politics behind the budget, Wessel looks at the 2011 fiscal year (which ended September 30) to see where all the money was actually spent, and why the budget process has grown wildly out of control. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1511124 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1574997 Senator Tom Coburn analyzes the reality of Americas fiscal crises and proposes methods for true recovery. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1624185 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1616333 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1682420 Labor unions are infiltrating our government and corrupting our political process. They have organized federal, state, and local government employees without their consent, and now government employee unions are a threat to our workers freedoms, our free and fair elections, and even our American way of life. Factor reveals whats coming next: how unions are targeting millions of Americans for forced unionization so that unions can collect billions more in forced dues and exert an even greater influence over American politics. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1687253 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1615544 Dinesh DSouza shows how President Obama is applying his anticolonial ideology to unmake America, arguing that if hes reelected he will destroy Americas future. Obamas America reveals what unchecked power will do to this great nation. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1582580 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668246 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1658877 Analyzes Barack Obamas political thought, drawn from his own writings, speeches, and interviews, and discusses how this brilliant politician can either save liberalism or be its downfall. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668080 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1667573 A timely look at the evolution of US immigration policy and how the increasingly hostile anti-immigrant climate is detrimental to our nations economic well-being-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1616378 A former congressman draws on his first-hand experience with legislative battles to present a solution-based, practical way to break the stranglehold of the political party system and banish the negative effects of partisan warfare. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1577329 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1649886 Recounts how the American dream has been dismantled over the past forty years by legislative, electoral, and corporate decisions that have compromised the middle class and minimized individual economic and political power. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1715263 Outlines recommendations for breaking current political cycles while advising American voters on how to become more involved, sharing historical examples of challenges to democracy that were effectively surmounted by change-oriented citizens. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1656388 Imagine a country where the right to vote is not guaranteed by the Constitution, where the candidate with the most votes loses, and where paperwork requirements and bureaucratic bungling disenfranchise millions. Youre living in it. If the consequences werent so serious, it would be funny. An eye-opening, fact-filled companion to the forthcoming PBS documentary starring political satirist and commentator Mo Rocca, Electoral Dysfunction illuminates a broad array of issues, including the Founding Fathers decision to omit the right to vote from the Constitution-and the legal systems patchwork response to this omission; the battle over voter ID, voter impersonation, and voter fraud; the foul-ups that plague Election Day, from ballot design to contested recounts; the role of partisan officials in running elections; and the anti-democratic origins and impact of the Electoral College. The book concludes with a prescription for a healthy voting system by Heather Smith, president of Rock the Vote. Published in the run-up to the 2012 election, Electoral Dysfunction is for readers across the political spectrum who want their votes to count. -- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1652980 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1522495 Explores the theory that Americas enemies were responsible for the global financial crisis that began in 2008, claiming that a foreign agenda of economic terrorism successfully crippled the United States economy. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1669147 American enterprise grew exceptional based on the founding principles of individual freedom, decentralized knowledge, and accountable, constitutionally limited government. Kibbe explains how our leaders from Washington, D.C. have systematically replaced the dispersed genius of America with top-down dictates and expensive schemes designed to expand the power of insiders and protect the privileged positions of politicians, bureaucrats, and their cronies. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1616326 Freedom Manifesto captures the spirit of a new movement that is questioning old ideas about the mo&#x00AC%x;rality of government and markets for the first time since the Great Depression. Going beyond the familiar explanations and sound bites, the authors provide a fully developed framework of first principles for a true understanding of the real moral and ethical distinctions between more and less government. This timely and provocative book shows why free markets and liberty are the only way to a better future and a fair and humane society.--From publisher description. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1621014 Drawing on the responses he received from his radio audience, a national talk show host lists and discusses the top 50 reasons not to vote for President Obama in 2012. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1684557 Project Censored identifies and researches news stories which it believes have been underreported, mis-reported, or censored in the mainstream media. With this research, the group aims to advocate the protection of the First Amendment rights granted by the United States Constitution and freedom of information within the United States of America. Unfortunately, on some reports, this group diminishes its credibillty with flagrant bias in both sources selected and commentary. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1681161 Argues that 1965, not 1968, was the most transformative year of the 1960s, discussing attacks on civil rights demonstrators, increased African American militancy, the Watts riots, anti-war protests, and a growing national pessimism. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1684620 Jeff Speck has dedicated his career to determining what makes cities thrive. And he has boiled it down to one key factor: walkability. The very idea of a modern metropolis evokes visions of bustling sidewalks, vital mass transit, and a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban core. But in the typical American city, the car is still king, and downtown is a place thats easy to drive to but often not worth arriving at. Making walkability happen is relatively easy and cheap; seeing exactly what needs to be done is the trick. In this essential new book, Speck reveals the invisible workings of the city, how simple decisions have cascading effects, and how we can all make the right choices for our communities. Bursting with sharp observations and real-world examples, giving key insight into what urban planners actually do and how places can and do change, Walkable City lays out a practical, necessary, and eminently achievable vision of how to make our normal American cities great again. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1615438 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1656409 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1577964 Colin Powell, one of Americas most admired public figures, reveals the principles that have shaped his life and career in this inspiring and engrossing memoir.--Publishers description. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1674804 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668874 When Barack Obama ran on a platform of hope and change four years ago, he promised to unite the country. But as Kate Obenshain reveals in The Divisive President, Obama has done exactly the opposite. Rather than seeking common sense, pro-American solutions, he has pursued far-left policies, a radical leftist agenda, and an attitude thats both condescending and dismissive of Main Street America. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1615543 Dinesh DSouza shows how President Obama is applying his anticolonial ideology to unmake America and turn it into a country our founders would hardly recognize. Obama came into office with an eight-year plan for America, argues DSouza. If hes reelected in 2012, he will be able to finish the job--and destroy Americas future. Making the case that Obama must be a one-term president, Obamas America reveals what unchecked power will do to this great nation and is a must-read for anyone who cares about America and her future. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668866 Obenshain paints a picture of a president who promotes class warfare, aggravating racial, gender, and economic differences in order to advance his ideological agenda. Searing and controversial, The Divisive President makes the case that Barack Obama must be defeated before he tears the nation apart. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1544883 In a combination of witty text and crisp illustrations, U.S. Constitution For Beginners takes a tongue-in-cheek look at Americas most critical legal document. Author and lawyer Steve Bachmann has written a text that touches on the documents history beginning all the way in 1215 AD with the Magna Carta. He then traces the events that precipitated its writing, the personalities and motives of the people who created it, and its use and misuses since ratification. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1587457 A senior Economist writer argues that the Kremlins spymasters have excelled in their field beyond the capabilities of their Western-world adversaries, tracing the story behind the 2010 deportation of Anna Chapman while analyzing triumphs and disasters in Western intelligence throughout the Cold War as revealed by a leading Russian NATO spy. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1628054 Ann Coulter fearlessly explains the real history of race relations in this country, including how white liberals twist that history to spring the guilty, accuse the innocent, and engender racial hatreds, all in order to win politically. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1547301 Based on exhaustive research and unprecedented access to White House officials, CIA analysts, Pakistani intelligence, and the military, this is the definitive account of ten years in pursuit of bin Laden and of the twilight of al-Qaeda. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1684880 New Jersey senator Bill Bradley offers his personal review of the state of the nation. He criticizes the role that money plays in politics, discusses flaws in existing foreign, electoral, and economic policies, and offer an opinion on steps the U.S. can take to return to prosperity. Topics covered include the financial meltdown, intensifying political gridlock, the Tea Party and Occupy movements, job creation, deficit reduction, education, and immigration. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1587479 Governor Ed Rendell explains why Americas leaders rarely call for sacrifice for the greater good-to avoid making any sacrifices themselves!Rendell has seen job security become the primary consideration of any person with power in America-their own job security! Most politicians and bureaucrats can see no further ahead than the next election, sometimes no further than the next press conference. Americans are rarely afraid of sacrifice and hard work when they mean building a better future, but when was the last time you heard of a leader of anything making a sacrifice for the greater good? The people can only win when they make it clear to the powers that be that making the right choices, even the hard ones, is the key to winning the next election. Explains in rollicking stories ranging from the profane to the profound that most hard choices are only hard because the polls conflict with your principles Ed Rendell rose to the top of Philadelphia, then Pennsylvania, then national politics, by doing what he thought was right, and there were plenty of times that looked like it would be his downfall as well This book revisits the high points of Ed Rendells career and current landscape to define the political fights his peers seem just as afraid of winning as losing Rendell is a former head of the Democratic National Committee, and a current MSNBC Senior Political Analyst --Provided by publisher. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1538669 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1681692 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668544 Gone is the era of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, when news programs fought to gain the trust and respect of a wide spectrum of American viewers. Today, the fastest-growing news programs and media platforms are fighting hard for increasingly narrow segments of the public and playing on old prejudices and deep-rooted fears, coloring the conversation in the blogosphere and the cable news chatter to distract from the true issues at stake. Using the same tactics once used to mobilize political parties and committed voters, they send their fans coded messages and demonize opposing groups, in the process securing valuable audience share and website traffic. Race-baiter is a term born out of this tumultuous climate, coined by the conservative media to describe a person who uses racial tensions to arouse the passion and ire of a particular demographic. Even as the election of the first black president forces us all to reevaluate how we think about race, gender, culture, and class lines, some areas of modern media are working hard to push the same old buttons of conflict and division for new purposes. In Race-Baiter, veteran journalist and media critic Eric Deggans dissects the powerful ways modern media feeds fears, prejudices, and hate, while also tracing the history of the word and its consequences, intended or otherwise-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1668175 This book explores the potential benefits of a government-independent, democratized Social Security system to support dependents suffering from the reduction of other government benefits. It provides essential ammunition against the theft of our golden years by pundits, free marketeers, and bureaucrats. Social Security, not for nothing do politicians call it the third rail of American politics, touch it, and you die. Yet a powerful, well-funded movement to phase out Social Security or even privatize it has been gathering strength since the election of Ronald Reagan. Each time it comes close to succeeding, it has beaten back by a coalition of labor, grassroots organizers, and the elderly. Meanwhile, Social Security has only become more vital to retirees and their families as the federal and state governments slash other benefits and services, a trend that has grown ever more troubling in recent years. This book is both groundbreaking history and an eye-opening guide for anyone concerned about one of the biggest issues of our times. With 95 percent of Americans participating in the program either as beneficiaries or through their payroll tax contributions, Social Security is quite literally the glue that binds Americans together as a community. In its epilogue, the author argues to democratize, not disable, the program, suggesting that the only solution for Social Security may be to de-link it from government altogether. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1623878 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1669067 Americas war over gun control has raged since the 1960s. In 2008, the Supreme Court startled the left by concluding that with the Second Amendment the founders elevated above all other interests the right to bear arms in defense of hearth and home. Liberals feared the NRA would succeed in rolling back regulations nationwide. Discussion about guns in America has been stalemated, shortcircuited, and dominated by rigidly and mutually intolerant ideologies. Yet we may be closer to a solution than either side may imagine.In Living With Guns, veteran New York Times editor Craig Whitney carefully reexamines Americas relationship with guns, showing how guns are an important part of American culture. The earliest colonists needed them to survive. We have nearly 300 million of them today. Trying to restrict gun ownership doesnt effectively deter crime--we need to get serious about what actually works. Whitney shows that, if we focus on controlling violence rather than guns themselves, the Second Amendment may not be so lethal as the left would like to think-- Provided by publisher. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1624060 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1373138 The tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon is an occasion sure to be observed around the world. But among the memorials, political speeches, and news editorials, the most pressing consideration--and often the most overlooked--is the lives and well-being of the 9/11 first responders, their families, and the victims families over the past decade. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1622100 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1388759 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1392367 Former liberal David Mamet draws on his trademark intellectual force and vigor to take on the most controversial political issues of our time, from religion to political correctness to global warming. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1306964 Beck reworks the Federalist Papers into modern English and provides his own illuminating commentary and annotations. For a number of the essays, he includes the viewpoints of both liberal and conservative historians and scholars, making this a fair and insightful perspective on the historical works that remain the primary source for interpreting Constitutional law and the rights of American citizens. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1304260 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1298619 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1210535 According to some pundits, America has regressed to the same state the country was in before Ronald Reagan assumed the presidency. Here, the presidents son, Michael Reagan, explains how his fathers legacy can help jumpstart the American spirit and dramatically improve both the economy and the countrys status as a world power. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1365372 The threat of terrorism in America, the Obama administration claims, is contained and controlled. Attempted attacks like the Times Square bombing, the underwear bombing, and the attack on a Christmas-tree-lighting ceremony were all isolated plots that failed. In the words of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano, The system worked. Dont believe it. Here, investigative reporter Erick Stakelbeck exposes the staggering truth about our national security: the Obama administration is concealing the enormous terrorist threat growing right here within our borders. If you believe terrorism is only a problem for other countries, Stakelbeck will open your eyes. This book sounds the alarm on a growing threat that the US government refuses to face honestly. As we struggle against a relentless Islamist enemy committed to destroying our nation, we cant say we werent warned. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1297807 Tragedy in Crimson is award-winning journalist Tim Johnsons extraordinary account of the cat-and-mouse game embroiling China and the Tibetan exile community over Tibet. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1272540 A stunning account of Julia Childs early life as an OSS agent in the Far East. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1375689 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1267280 The first in-depth examination of the impact of Obamacare on American individuals, families, and businesses-- http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1392762 U.S. Senator Mike Lee offers a compelling argument for a balanced-budget amendment as the key to restoring America to fiscal health and reversing the federal governments abuse of power. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1279546 The threat of terrorism in America, the Obama administration claims, is contained and controlled. Attempted attacks like the Times Square bombing, the underwear bombing, and the attack on a Christmas-tree-lighting ceremony were all isolated plots that failed. In the words of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano, The system worked. Dont believe it. Here, investigative reporter Erick Stakelbeck exposes the staggering truth about our national security: the Obama administration is concealing the enormous terrorist threat growing right here within our borders. If you believe terrorism is only a problem for other countries, Stakelbeck will open your eyes. This book sounds the alarm on a growing threat that the US government refuses to face honestly. As we struggle against a relentless Islamist enemy committed to destroying our nation, we cant say we werent warned. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1262299 The creator of a network of conservative web sites discusses his goal of exposing the liberal bias of the major news outlets, the critical issues that Americans face, and his own association with the Tea Party.