228: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

Silent Spring

From the Book Description:

"Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was first published in three serialized excerpts in the New Yorker in June of 1962. The book appeared in September of that year and the outcry that followed its publication forced the banning of DDT and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. Carson's passionate concern for the future of our planet reverberated powerfully throughout the world, and her eloquent book was instrumental in launching the environmental movement. It is without question one of the landmark books of the twentieth century."

Why this is progressive/liberal: One of the earliest works on the substantial dangers of pollution. Still one of the best.

Buy the Kindle version: Silent Spring

255: Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto by Stewart Brand

Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto

Stewart Brand is a progressive icon. From his work with the Grateful Dead and life as one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters in the 1960s to his launch of the seminal Whole Earth Catalog, his participation in creating the WELL, to his involvement in the Long Now Foundation Brand has continuously been ahead of the curve. He has an uncanny knack for seeing into the future. It's because of this long history of intelligence and progressive values that those who lean green should pay attention to this book. Brand is at his contrarian best in this "ecopragmatic manifesto," making the case for nuclear power, larger cities, genetically modified crops, and geoengineering. Before you reject these ideas outright, read the book.

Why this is progressive/liberal: It's true that there is a lot of tribal allegiance among progressives, just as there is among every ideology. No one can read and understand everything, so we often resort to accepting an idea just because of its label, or because it's endorsed by an authority we trust. It's hard to find progressives who endorse nuclear power, however, more important than ideological allegiance is keeping an open mind and studying the evidence. In this book Stewart Brand makes a progressive argument for nuclear power, genetic modification of crops, and moving to the city.

Buy the Kindle version: Whole Earth Discipline: Why Dense Cities, Nuclear Power, Transgenic Crops, RestoredWildlands, and Geoengineering Are Necessary

329: The Winona LaDuke Reader: A Collection of Essential Writings

The Winona LaDuke Reader: A Collection of Essential Writings

In 1996 and 2000 LaDuke was the vice-presidential candidate for the Green Party. She is a tireless activist for women's rights, Indian rights, and for protecting the environment. This reader provides an excellent introduction to her work and thinking.

From the publisher's book description:

"For more than twenty years, Winona LaDuke has impressed people around the world with her oratory and debate skills and as an advocate for Native American rights, champion of women’s and children’s issues, protector of the environment, and as a leading voice of the Green Party. A charismatic and inspiring speaker and writer, LaDuke possesses a stirring passion that comes through in the 30 speeches, articles, and fiction excerpts compiled in The Winona LaDuke Reader. This is the first collection of the many political speeches and "think-pieces" that she has written for magazines such as Sierra, Smithsonian’s American Indian, and more."

Why this is progressive/liberal: LaDuke embodies much of the progressive spirit and speaks out on many issues important to progressives.

349: Nature's Justice by William O. Douglas

Nature's Justice: Writings of William O. Douglas

Longtime liberal stalwart on the Supreme Court William O. Douglas was a passionate defender of the environment. He was also a fierce protector of liberal values, like the right to privacy, the right to free speech

While he was an important voice for progressive causes throughout his career, he also served as the perfect foil for right-wing claims of judicial excess. Douglas was often willing to overlook precedent to emphasize his notions of justice. He was threatened with impeachment twice in his career, and his opponents saw him as a womanizing, gambling, slightly corrupt ally of pornographers and dissidents.

A few of these criticisms are even fair. Regardless of the turbulence of his personal life, and his sometimes questionable judgment, Douglas remains one of the high points of liberal values in the nation's highest court.

Why this is progressive/liberal: In addition to reading Douglas's arguments for protecting the environment this work also collects some of his more notable court opinions, and essays about politics and justice.

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