328: The Pursuit of Fairness: A History of Affirmative Action by Terry H. Anderson

The Pursuit of Fairness: A History of Affirmative Action by Terry H. Anderson

Even toddlers seem to inherently understand fairness. Try giving two small children different sizes of cake slices and see how fast the one with the smaller slice complains. Or, sometimes, the one with the larger slice shares.

In this book you will learn about the origins of affirmative action. Affirmative action started in WWII and JFK was the first to use the term. It started because qualified contractors were ignored by government agencies because they were owned by black people. There existed government procurers who would purchase lower quality goods or services because they didn't want to do business with a black person. Affirmative action started as a way to compensate for the bias in the system.

Why this is progressive/liberal: Affirmative action is one of the progressive policies that conservatives find most irksome. Senator Paul has stated his opposition to the Civil Rights Act, making the perfectly reasonable claim that every business owner should be allowed to sell or not sell to whomever they choose. In order to counter Paul and those who make similar arguments it's important to understand the history and logic behind affirmative action and other actions made by the government to shore up America's commitment to equal rights for all of its citizens. Once you've done your homework you'll be able to easily see that Paul and his ilk have not done theirs. Affirmative action only applies to government agencies, or those getting money from the federal government. And the Civil Rights Act only pertains to businesses that offer public accommodations. As long as Paul's business isn't a public service and doesn't take any government money, he can restrict who he takes money from all he wants.

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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.

330: Merchants of Grain by Dan Morgan

Merchants of Grain: The Power and Profits of the Five Giant Companies at the Center of the World's Food Supply by Dan Morgan

Published in 1979, and so a little dated, this book by Dan Morgan takes a look at the secretive food companies and their influence on our food supply and legislative food policy. Despite its age it still provides tremendous insight into how much power we have ceded to private corporations. The story is even more compelling when you realize that they have only gained more power and control in the 30+ years since this was written.

Why this is progressive/liberal: Progressives don't like secretive institutions influencing important institutions. There are certain elements of a democratic society in which the citizens should have a say, and food is near the top of that list.

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331: Dispatches by Michael Herr

Dispatches by Michael Herr

Published in 1977 Dispatches remains one of the best books written about the Vietnam war. It's notable because it presents the war from the soldier's experience. There's no analysis of strategy or politics, only stories of the soldiers fighting the war. Herr reported back the chaos, the violence, and the tragic absurdity of war. Every person thinking about joining the military should read this book first.

Why this is progressive/liberal: War is hell. Most of the combat US soldiers have been involved in is unnecessary for maintaining this nation's sovereignty. Books like this one by Michael Herr help dispel the myth that war is glamorous. As Herr aptly notes in the second chapter, Hell sucks.

332: Capital by Karl Marx

Capital: Volume 1: A Critique of Political Econom, Vol. 1
Capital : A Critique of Political Economy, Vol. 2
Capital: A Critique of Political Economy, Vol. 3

They're going to call you a communist so you might as well know what they're accusing you of. This is a classic economic text and should be read by anybody with an interest in politics or economics. You might want to read your Adam Smith and David Ricardo before you start reading Karl Marx, but it's not an absolute necessity.

Don't be put off by the size of this work. Yes, it's huge, but you'll be surprised how much you can get out of even a casual reading.

Why this is progressive/liberal: Almost everything you know about Marx is wrong. Once you understand Marx's critique of the commodification of life you may find yourself more sympathetic to his arguments. Even if you ultimately don't agree with Marx, and decide life is better as an unrepentant capitalist, you should at least know the argument.

Buy the Kindle version: Capital: A Critique of Political Economy: 1
Capital: 2
Capital: 3

333: My Life with the Chimpanzees by Jane Goodall

My Life with the Chimpanzees by Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall has been writing about her research with chimpanzees for over forty years. It's difficult to choose just one book to represent her work, but My Life with the Chimpanzees is as good an introduction as any. Plus, it's a kids book, so it makes a perfect gift for the curious pre-teen in your life. (Her more substantive The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior is out of print. If you would like something written for an older audience check out Through a Window: My Thirty Years with the Chimpanzees of Gombe.)

Why this is progressive/liberal: This book helps explain why progressives want to protect endangered species. It also provides an introduction to the life of a scientist and importance of expanding your intellectual horizons.

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334: Counterculture Through the Ages: From Abraham to Acid House by Ken Goffman

Counterculture Through the Ages: From Abraham to Acid House by Ken Goffman

Some may know Ken Goffman better as R. U. Sirius, one time editor of the groundbreaking magazine Mondo 2000 (Wired Magazine is Mondo 2000 with all the cool parts taken out). Before that Goffman edited and published Reality Hackers. Since then he's been a prolific author, journalist, podcaster, and in 2000 a candidate for the presidency of the United States representing the Revolution Party.

Counterculture is Goffman's effort to trace the unending spirit of creative destruction artistic subcultures bring to society. For Goffman the counterculture represents those elements in society fighting for "individualism, anti-authoritarianism, and a belief in the possibility of personal and social transformation."

Why this is progressive/liberal: Technically, countercultures aren't necessarily progressive. However, it is the progressive subcultures Goffman is most interested in this book. Ever wonder how raves are connected to the Biblical Abraham? or how medieval balladeers anticipated 20th century Rock and Roll? Check out Counterculture Through the Ages and find out.

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