Resources

The U.S. Department of Commerce, and, specifically, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was invaluable in collecting the most up-to-date labor and economic data for this book. BLS publishes statistical data on wages, benefits, and income; inflation and economic indexes; employment and unemployment; industries and occupations; employment demographics; and worker health and safety standards. In addition, BLS posts many of its publications online, including Occupational Outlook Handbook, Monthly Labor Review Online, and Occupational Outlook Quarterly, at http://www.bls.gov.

The U.S. Census Bureau makes ample economic and demographic data available on its Web site (http://www.census.gov). Particularly useful for the study of the American economy are the Census publications Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance in the United States: 2003, Employment Status: 2000, Census 2002 Indexes of Industry and Occupation, The Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2003, and the Economic Census of 2002.

Other government agencies consulted frequently in the compilation of this book include: The Bureau of Economic Analysis, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, Economics and Statistics Administration, The Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service, Minority Business Development Agency, National Women's Business Council, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Office of Management and Budget, The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Small Business Administration, and U.S. Social Security Administration.

A number of independent, nonpartisan think tanks and private organizations also provided important information from various points of view. The Milken Institute is a nonprofit think tank that publishes numerous reports and studies on the state of the American economy. United for a Fair Economy focuses on the uneven distribution of wealth in the United States and how it breeds poverty, racism, and corruption. Redefining Progress is an organization that promotes economic sustainability through environmental awareness and equal wealth distribution. The Government Accountability Project advocates for strong whistleblower laws as well as government and corporate responsibility, providing assistance with litigation and media coverage of whistleblower issues. The Center for Women's Business Research provides information on women-owned businesses worldwide. The Center for Corporate Policy is a public-interest organization that tracks corporate abuses and lobbies for greater corporate accountability. The Center for a New American Dream advocates for responsible consumer choices and explores issues such as the effects of commercialism on children. Finally, the Center for Responsive Politics tracks the Federal Election Commission and corporate donations to American political campaigns.