Debt as Power is a timely and innovative contribution to our understanding of one of the most prescient issues of our time: the explosion of debt across the global economy and related requirement of political leaders to pursue exponential growth to meet the demands of creditors and investors.

The book is distinctive in offering a historically sensitive and comprehensive analysis of debt as an interconnected and global phenomenon. Rather than focusing on the historical emergence of debt as a moral obligation, the authors argue that debt under capitalism can be conceived of as a technology of power, intimately tied up with the requirement for perpetual growth and the differential capitalization that benefits ‘the 1%’.

Their account begins with the recognition that the histories of human communities and their natural environment are interconnected in complex spatial and hierarchical relations of power and to understand their development we need to not only examine the particularities of a given case, but more importantly their interconnected, interdependent and international relations. Since debt under capitalism is increasingly ubiquitous at all levels of society and economic growth is now the sole mantra of dominant political parties around the world, the authors argue that tracing the evolution and transformation of debt as a technology of power is crucial for understanding the ‘present as history’ and possible alternatives to our current trajectory.

Borrowing money is advertised as “easy”. So, why not do it? The truth is, taking out loans can create big problems for kids. Debt Dangers tells a great story about Chelsea and Jack saving money, living within their means, and why kids should avoid debt. A book in the series “Marvels of Money … for kids”; richly illustrated, engaging and practical fictional stories for young readers about the fundamentals of money. This book supports emerging educational (K-5) learning standards for common core, integrating “life skills” and “reasoning skills” into the fictional but realistic financial literacy stories. Each story in the series includes essential financial words, which are highlighted throughout each story and then defined in a glossary along with summary concepts at the end of each story. 3rd-6th grade level readers will find the 2,500 word story and numerical examples great for reading, mathematics, social sciences and financial literacy! Younger (K-2) readers may skim the concepts in a picture book manner, as there are incredible illustrations on each page. Great real-along and discussion books! Messages to last a lifetime.

Experts, pundits, and politicians agree: public debt is hindering growth and increasing unemployment. Governments must reduce debt at all cost if they want to restore confidence and get back on a path to prosperity. Maurizio Lazzarato’s diagnosis, however, is completely different: under capitalism, debt is not primarily a question of budget and economic concerns but a political relation of subjection and enslavement. Debt has become infinite and unpayable. It disciplines populations, calls for structural reforms, justifies authoritarian crackdowns, and even legitimizes the suspension of democracy in favor of “technocratic governments” beholden to the interests of capital. The 2008 economic crisis only accelerated the establishment of a “new State capitalism,” which has carried out a massive confiscation of societies’ wealth through taxes. And who benefits? Finance capital. In a calamitous return to the situation before the two world wars, the entire process of accumulation is now governed by finance, which has absorbed sectors it once ignored, like higher education, and today is often identified with life itself. Faced with the current catastrophe and the disaster to come, Lazzarato contends, we must overcome capitalist valorization and reappropriate our existence, knowledge, and technology.

In Governing by Debt, Lazzarato confronts a wide range of thinkers — from Félix Guattari and Michel Foucault to David Graeber and Carl Schmitt — and draws on examples from the United States and Europe to argue that it is time that we unite in a collective refusal of this most dire status quo.

A milestone of storytelling set in the world of The Sword of Truth, Debt of Bones is the story of young Abby’s struggle to win the aid of the wizard Zedd Zorander, the most important man alive. Abby is trapped, not only between both sides of the war, but in a mortal conflict between two powerful men. For Zedd, who commands power most men can only imagine, granting Abby’s request would mean forsaking his sacred duty. With the storm of the final battle about to break, both Abby and Zedd are caught in a desperate fight to save the life of a child…but neither can escape the shadow of an ancient betrayal. With time running out, their only choice may be a debt of bones. The world – for Zedd, for Abby, for everyone – will never again be the same.

You can use these letters as they are, modify them to suit your needs or your business or just use one sentence from a letter. Each letter should be on your company letterhead and include your company name, address, phone and fax, web address, email and any other contact information. The letters that get the best results are not “form” letters. If a letter looks like a form letter it loses some of its punch. The most effective letters are short, to the point and easy to read. Try to avoid long or confusing words and sentences. The more direct, the fewer misunderstandings. Have someone read your letter and see if they totally understand it. If they do, then chances are your debtor will, too. Your letter is a reflection of your business; keep it professional. Remember that your letter is to persuade someone to send you money. Your wording and tone are critical, especially if this is a customer you want to continue to do business with. Always assume the debtor will pay. Enclosing an envelope for payment is always a good idea. You can also include an envelope with postage. The easier you make it for the debtor to make payment, the better your chances are of receiving that payment. Collection letters should do two things: retain customer good will and help you get paid. You know a letter works well when you do a mailing and your phone rings off the hook when everyone receives their letters. If you send out a letter and there is no response, you need to re-work your letter.

Albert Sbragia considers American urban government as an investor whether for building infrastructure or supporting economic development.  Over time, such investment has become disconnected from the normal political and administrative processes of local policymaking through the use of special public spending authorities like water and sewer commissions and port, turnpike, and public power authorities.

Sbragia explores how this entrepreneurial activity developed and how federal and state policies facilitated or limited it.  She also analyzes the implications of cities creating innovative, special-purpose quasi-governments to circumvent and dilute state control over city finances, diluting their own authority in the process.

Product Features

• Used Book in Good Condition