Argues that reform is needed to overcome voter apathy.

Our politicians insist that we live in a time of unprecedented prosperity, yet more and more Americans are pointing out that the richest 1% of our society holds more wealth than the bottom 90% put together. In this timely book, economist Philippe Van Parijs has a simple plan for addressing not only poverty but other social ills: everyone would be paid a universal basic income (UBI) at a level sufficient for subsistence. Everyone, including "those who make no social contribution-who spend their mornings bickering with their partner, surf off Malibu in the afternoon, and smoke pot all night."Van Parijs argues that a UBI would reduce unemployment, improve women's lives, and prevent the environmental damage caused by overproduction and fast growth. At the heart of his proposal is the intention to secure real freedom for all, because it offers the greatest possible opportunity to those with the least opportunities. He acknowledges that an idle surfer might not deserve a UBI, but that the surfer's good luck would be no different than the good fortune enjoyed by those who benefit from the current distribution of resources.Responses to this controversial proposal vary: Some are in favor of a basic income, but only if it's tied to work. Others find the entire proposal unrealistic and unaffordable. Almost all agree, however, that it is time for us to talk about this issue.NEW DEMOCRACY FORUM: A series of short paperback originals exploring creative solutions to our most urgent national concerns. The series editors (for Boston Review), Joshua Cohen and Joel Rogers, aim to foster politically engaged, intellectually honest, and morally serious debate about fundamental issues-both on and off the agenda of conventional politics.

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Proposes a program of labor standards which would consider cultural and economic differences as well as differing types of labor to improve working conditions worldwide. (view table of contents)

Product Description: Now let us use our heads and deal appropriately, as they say in Washington, with a corporate ruling class that has hijacked the nation, and in so doing eliminate at least one glaring contradiction: that ours is a government of, by, and for the many when it is so notoriously the exclusive preserve of the few...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

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Argues that despite record prosperity, America's poor have become poorer, and suggests raising wages and reinvesting in cities

Argues that reform is needed to overcome voter apathy (view table of contents)

Product Description: There is a broad consensus that governments have a responsibility for the health of their people that can be fulfilled by adequate health and social measures. However, the crucial question is, in which ways and to what extent is government involvement desirable? This volume examines: Different perspectives on the role of government, including market based health care reforms and competition in the financing and delivery of health care Emerging trends recent reforms and social issues Keys issues in the financing and organization of health services Issues related to the health sector workforce The development and diffusion of health technologies Governments and Health Systems will be an invatuable source-book for all health care providers, policy makers, managers and researchers...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Argues that we should consider ourselves citizens of the world and look at patriotism as a parochial ideal

Product Description: A just society guarantees its members rights to basic civil liberties protecting the political liberties associated with democratic governance, while ensuring state accountability and responsiveness to citizens. Despite broad agreement on these abstract requirements, the conditions that foster justice, thus understood, are a matter of long-standing controversy in political theory...read more

Product Description: Throughout the West, democracy is under fire. “Government is part of the problem, not the solution” is a common refrain. As the tasks of the state become more complex and the size of polities larger, the institutional forms of liberal democracy developed in the 19th century seem increasingly unable to cope...read more

Product Description: An invaluable pamphlet on U.S. foreign policy in Central America.

Examines the structures of the economy and political system of the United States and recommends methods for reforming the American government