I would second Kevin Phillips “American Theocracy” and would suggest perhaps pulling together some of the writers about Progressive Religion (Christian, Jewish & Muslim) as perhaps a sort of series. I’ve been dipping into Jim Wallis, and know there are others on my lists. And while not primarily a religious figure, Ray Suarez has an excellent study out on the Religion/Politics connection, “The Holy Vote: The Politics of Faith in America” —

I want to read more on Katrina — the only book I’ve thusfar finished is Brinkley’s “The Great Deluge” and someplace I noted it will be out this spring in paperback. I understand there are public policy (What in the hell happened to FEMA?) books in the pipeline. I think this will be a live topic this spring when some hearings get underway.

Hi Jane,

A very happy new year to you and everyone else at FDL.

A suggestion for Book Salon: Tyler Drumheller and his book “On the Brink”

…

That’s a great suggestion.

George Lakoff, Don’t Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate–The Essential Guide for Progressives.

http://www.amazon.com/Addicted…..mp;s=books

It is a “graphic novel”, but illustrations are as potent as words in conveying layers of meaning, and the sequential format of a comic works well for this sort of chronology. The rules and structure of written language limit choices, whereas graphic panes allow exploration, even if unheeded. America had choices, but once upon the path to war profiteering, the demand for those profits has determined so much of our policy.

Was the format chosen to make the topic more palatable? (A little learning is dangerous, but how threatening can this be?)

Appeal to younger audience? (I don’t think so, they’re playing video games while we remember ‘Nam and the kids who were sacrificed for war profits.)

How often do you see a comic with footnotes and documentation?

Is he satisfied with his coverage of events, or would he change the emphasis? With all of the wars and arms deals, what most influenced his choices? What paths through the thicket were interesting but untaken?

Does he think that there is a need for war in the same way that we need water and energy? (And if the requirement is essential, the opportunities for profit are immense.)

One normally thinks of profiteering as a capitalistic matter: getting rich on the labor and sacrifice of others. Other countries have dealt in arms and mercenaries… is America more successful at war-mongering because we are the most capitalistic of countries?

Anyway, that is off the top of my head. If America is going to follow Bush into global warfare, perhaps we might pause a moment to reflect upon why.

Addictions can be cured. Did Andreas choose this title out of hope?

Carolly

A very happy new year to you and everyone else at FDL.

A suggestion for Book Salon: Tyler Drumheller and his book “On the Brink”

As for interviews, perhaps a series of interviews of people from the few progressive think tanks around the US to get a sense for what their strategies and focus/tactics are and what their ideas and concerns are about progressive infrastructure. Likewise, maybe interviews of some of the key single issue progressive groups…

Way down yonder in EPU territory, but I have a sneaking suspicion that nothing occurs on Jane and Christy’s blog that they don’t know about.

Thom Hartmann–Screwed. That is a book. The title is incomplete, but it has to do with the American workers. I mentioned him to Jane over coffee in Tulsa. He lives in her neck of the woods and they should meet. He is a radio progressive talent and has written a stack of books that is thigh high. Call him, Jane, have coffee and see if you don’t find a kindred spirit of elevated intellectualism. (is that a word?)

Also, Jane and Christy are not willing to discuss the cost of running this blog. As a regular commentor, I would be curious to know if there is any actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred for this–aside from the manicures needed to mask gnawing fingernails to the elbow in an effort to “feed the blog. This is a serious question. Personally, I will be retiring some large debts in the next 45 days and seek to invest in my country, not in the stock market for personal gain, but in my country for the future of my new grandchild.

Should I contribute to act blue candidate exclusively, or should blogs such as yourself benefit from America’s addiction?

Based on my limited info, there is out of pocket money involved. We need to kick up our support to a higher level. Modesty in fundraising is all very sweet but it would be nice to have a self sustaining blog. imho.