Books matching: systemic reform
30 result(s)
"Gaming the Vote: Why Elections Aren't Fair" by William Poundstone delves into the world of voting systems, focusing on the mathematical aspects rather than issues like electronic tampering or historical election discrepancies. Poundstone explores the theory of voting using examples from US history, discussing topics such as spoilers, negative campaigning, and the impact of political consultants on election outcomes. also touches on the importance of voting system reform and presents different voting methods like Range Voting and Instant Runoff Voting as potential solutions.
Kurt Gödel, the most brilliant logician of the twentieth century, had no interest in politics. He showed no apparent alarm when Hitler became chancellor of Germany. (Gödel closed a 1936 letter with a ..."Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the injustices within the American criminal justice system. Stevenson recounts his experiences as a lawyer working to defend the wrongfully imprisoned, particularly those on death row. Through the central story of Walter McMillan, one of Stevenson's early clients, the book exposes the systemic issues of racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and lack of competent legal representation faced by marginalized individuals. Stevenson weaves together compelling narratives of individual cases with insightful commentary on the flaws of the legal system, making a strong case for reform and compassion.
The temporary receptionist was an elegant African American woman wearing a dark, expensive business suit—a well-dressed exception to the usual crowd at the Southern Prisoners Defense Committee (SPDC) ...Mervyn King's book, 'The End of Alchemy: Money, Banking, and the Future of the Global Economy', delves into the intricacies of monetary policy, central banking, and the global economic landscape post the 2008 financial crisis. Through a comprehensive and passionate treatise, King challenges conventional wisdom and proposes radical changes to the existing economic models. The book offers insights into the origins, purpose, and future of money and banking, while also addressing the structural weaknesses of the banking system without blaming specific individuals or historical events.
‘I think that Capitalism, wisely managed, can probably be made more efficient for attaining economic ends than any alternative system yet in sight.’ John Maynard Keynes, The End of Laissez-faire (1926...The System by Robert B. Reich delves into the analysis of how the political and economic systems in America have been distorted by power dynamics, leading to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few at the top. Reich highlights the shift towards shareholder capitalism, the decline of union bargaining power, and the financial influence of Wall Street as key factors contributing to the rigging of the system. Through a compelling narrative, Reich addresses the impact of consumerism, the lack of concrete proposals for change, and the battle between democracy and oligarchy, emphasizing the need for systemic reform to restore balance and prioritize the common good over individual gain.
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Save:'The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century' by Joel F. Harrington delves into the life of Meister Frantz Schmidt, an executioner in Nuremberg during the seventeenth century. The book provides a detailed account of Schmidt's career, his personal struggles, and the societal views on capital punishment during that time. Harrington skillfully reconstructs Schmidt's life from his personal journal, shedding light on the complexities of his profession and the ethical dilemmas he faced. The narrative not only explores the gruesome aspects of Schmidt's duties but also delves into his quest for redemption and societal acceptance amidst a backdrop of violence and superstition.
Throughout the book, readers are treated to a fascinating insight into the Baroque era Germany, with a focus on the life and experiences of Meister Frantz Schmidt. Harrington's writing style combines meticulous research with engaging storytelling, offering a balanced portrayal of Schmidt's character and the historical context in which he lived. The book navigates through the intricacies of Schmidt's life, from his training and executions to his personal struggles and ultimate quest for redemption, providing a nuanced exploration of a lesser-known figure in history.
Neighbors in Bamberg had become accustomed to the weekly ritual getting under way in the back courtyard of Meister Heinrich Schmidt’s house and went about their business uninterested. Most of them wer... - #6
Save:'A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam' by Karen Armstrong is a dense and comprehensive survey of the evolution of the concept of God over millennia. Armstrong delves into the history of the Big Three religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, exploring the development of beliefs and interpretations of God. Through meticulous research and scholarly details, the book traces the changing conceptions of God, the rise of atheism, and the dynamic nature of religions over time. Armstrong's fluid prose and insightful analysis highlight the ineffable nature of God and the evolving human interpretations of divinity.
Armstrong's book offers a thorough overview of monotheism, providing a broad understanding of theology for readers interested in the history of religions. With a coherent vision and engaging narrative, the book covers the complexities of the interconnections between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, while also exploring the evolving perceptions of God in comparison with other belief systems. Despite its dense content, 'A History of God' is praised for its educational value and absorbing nature, making it a valuable resource for those embarking on a study of historical monotheistic religions.
In the beginning, human beings created a God who was the First Cause of all things and Ruler of heaven and earth. He was not represented by images and had no temple or priests in his service. He was t... - #7
Save:'A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax System' by T.R. Reid delves into the complexities of the tax systems around the world, focusing primarily on the United States. Reid provides a comparative analysis of different tax systems, highlighting the inefficiencies and inequities present in the current tax code. Through 12 chapters and an insightful epilogue, Reid discusses the challenges faced by taxpayers and the need for a comprehensive reform towards a more equitable and efficient tax system.
Reid's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a mix of historical context, factual analysis, and thought-provoking insights. He presents a compelling argument for reforming the tax system based on the principles of broad base, low rate (BBLR), emphasizing the need for a system that minimizes distortions in economic decisions and enhances social welfare.
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Save:'The Element' by Ken Robinson explores the concept of finding one's passion and creativity in life. Through a collection of anecdotes and stories, Robinson highlights the importance of discovering and pursuing what truly excites and motivates individuals. He delves into the idea of being in one's element, where one's aptitude and passion intersect, leading to a fulfilling and successful life. Robinson also critiques the current education system for its lack of emphasis on nurturing creativity and individual talents, while providing examples of famous personalities who found their calling later in life.
GILLIAN WAS ONLY eight years old, but her future was already at risk. Her schoolwork was a disaster, at least as far as her teachers were concerned. She turned in assignments late, her handwriting was... - #9
Save:'Charged: Overzealous Prosecutors, the Quest for Mercy, and the Fight to Transform Criminal Justice in America' by author Emily Bazelon is a thought-provoking exploration of the flaws and intricacies of the American criminal justice system. Bazelon uses two separate cases to illustrate the broader theme of criminal justice reform, focusing on the significant role of prosecutors. Through personal stories and legal analysis, she sheds light on issues such as mass incarceration, plea bargaining, and the power dynamics within the legal system. The book delves into the impact of prosecutorial decisions on individuals' lives and the urgent need for change within the system.
THE BLOOD WAS everywhere. Spattered on the floor of the hallway, on the doorframe of the bedroom, and on the bedposts. Soaked into the sheets and pillows, and covering the body splayed on the floor at... - #10
Save:'Progress and Poverty' by Henry George discusses the concept of land ownership and its impact on economic inequality and progress. George presents thought-provoking ideas on how land ownership influences wealth distribution and economic growth. provides a critical analysis of the economic system, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue of land ownership for a more equitable society. George's writing style combines intellectual depth with practical solutions, making his arguments both compelling and relevant.
Reducing to its most compact form the problem we have set out to investigate, let us examine, step by step, the explanation which political economy, as now accepted by the best authority, gives of it....
