The Lack of a Penny is a story about Love, Compassion, and a single Penny. A Penny can represent the funds to see a movie or conquer the disease of Alzheimer's. In one case a Penny would have solved the problem but in the other case the lack of many Pennies to find a cure for a devilish disease that causes such grief and heart-ace. This is such a story.
In 1932, 60 percent of Washington State voters approved a state income tax. Within less than a year, the measure was struck down as unconstitutional by the state supreme court. Over half a century later, Washington remains one of only eight states without a state income tax. Yet Washington's conflicts and solutions were by no means unique. Through an examination of how Washingtonians reacted to federal tax policy, responded to national debates over tax issues, and opted for particular forms of taxation for themselves and their property, Phil Roberts elucidates the larger patterns of evolving tax policy in the United States.A Penny for the Governor, a Dollar for Uncle Samexplores the complex mix of factors underlying tax decisions and demonstrates how taxation politics influenced (and were influenced by) broader economic and cultural forces from the days of Lincoln to the New Deal. Tax systems are shaped by assumptions about economic development, social responsibility, and government influence, as well as cultural outlooks and political philosophies. This inquiry into the connections between politics and tax policy in the Pacific Northwest contributes to an understanding of the priorities that society holds about the place of government in relation to other institutions, the role government should play in the economic lives of its citizens, and t he relative influence of interest groups on the political process over time.A Penny for the Governor, a Dollar for Uncle Samdemonstrates the roles of governors, legislatures, courts, and average citizens in determining how income taxes were applied or resisted in the Northwest, and the important factors of class and geography in influencing taxation politics. The public debates on the subject are revealing of the role played by urban-rural conflicts in that most fundamental of political issues: taxes -- who decides, who pays, and how much. "A well-written and impressively documented case study of an important and timely topic -- the debate over income taxes, both federal and state, in the Pacific Northwest." -- Michael Allen, University of Washington, Tacoma Phil Robertsis a professor of history at the University of Wyoming.
A school assignment to look for an old penny opens up a world of adventure and living history for a group of students. Join them as they search for old pennies, hold them in their hands and wonder: Who held them when they were new? What was this country like? With each penny found, more history comes alive. The pennies lead back to the wave of immigration in the early 1900s, through the Influenza epidemic and The Great War, on to the Harlem Renaissance, the Depression and World War II. All this is seen through the eyes of young people the same age as the students. The powerful ending demonstrates how a simple penny can tie people together and carry a strong message of hope and the American spirit. The book includes discussion questions intended to stimulate thought-provoking conversation and creativity. The book is suited for the home, classroom, library or homeschool bookshelf. The book is also available in hardcover (ISBN 978-0-9795818-0-9)
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling like an old penny. Worthless. Forgotten. Discarded. Flattened. Ugly. Yet, like the penny, we still have value, and we can make a difference. We have the power to smile. We have the power to be kind. We have the power to be courteous and pleasant. We have the power to praise. We have the power to listen. We have the power to try. We have the power to care. We do not lack for power. We just need to recognize what we do have and make the best use of it. These short selections show readers the path to cultivating the everyday powers, gifts, and opportunities we all have, so as to make a positive difference in our world. Discover your power . . . discover The Power of a Penny.