If anyone ever asks me what the most fun thing about running FDL is, my answer is always "Book Salon." We've had some of the most amazing voices in modern politics as visitors here — from John Dean to Sydney Blumenthal to Arianna Huffington, Keith Olbermann, Joe Conason, Tom Schaller , Jacob Hacker, Andy Stern, Glenn Greenwald, George Soros and our own Marcy Wheeler (just to name a few). It has also become one of the most time consuming tasks on the blog, because it means scheduling not only author chats but also finding appropriate people to review the books and working with everyone to make sure they're comfortable posting and commenting in the blog format. Add to that the job of choosing books and communicating with publishing houses and publicity folks to make sure that there is good awareness that the discussion is taking place, and it really takes the efforts of someone who both loves the books and authors we're inviting here onto the salon but also has the time to devote to them.
So we're doing something we've never done here before — we're soliciting a book editor, someone who has enthusiasm for promoting progressive books in a way that the right has done for decades but the left has been sorely lacking in. It's why we started the book salon in the first place, and it's been a remarkable success. If you think you have the time and the interest, contact me at fdlbooksalon AT gmail COT com. We do have an awful lot of fun on the FDL crew and hope that the right person will really enjoy being part of the team.
UPDATE: Pach adds:
What we need really is someone to:
1) select books and book authors for chat, getting them oriented to how to do chat, and
2) select and schedule reviewers for the book chats. Sometimes authors have suggested reviewers, and we often have contacts to give you to make your job easier when you're looking for good reviewers. We just need someone to take this over on a weekly basis, though we can help with suggestions.
Related posts:
- FDL Book Salon Welcomes Richard McCormack, Editor of Manufacturing a Better Future for America
- FDL Book Salon Welcomes Matthew Kerbel, Netroots: Online Progressives and the Transformation of American Politics
- FDL Book Salon Welcomes Hillary Rettig, The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way
- FDL Book Salon Welcomes William Greider: Secrets of the Temple
- FDL Book Salon Welcomes David Cole, Torture Memos: Rationalizing the Unthinkable
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Wish I could do it!
We do have a lot of fun, it’s true. More fun than should be legal.
Pachacutec @ 1
Well we think it’s still legal, anyway. You never know with Abu.
That zero comment was merely selfish. However, I have never edited anything. I get too involved in the story to be able to even catch typos.
Good luck. I am looking forward to reading anything you publish, Jane.
What we need really is someone to
1) select books and book authors for chat, getting them oriented to how to do chat
2) select and schedule reviewers for the book chats. Sometimes authors have suggested reviewers, and we often have contacts to give you to make your job easier. We just need someone to take this over on a weekly basis.
Well, now, don’t everybody talk at once.
Heh: best way to shut up a blog:
“Anyone want to volunteer?”
:->
*OW!*
Why’d you kick me under the table?
I’ve no idea on this, but you’ll find somebody.
What’s coming up at Vaster Books? There couldn’t have been a better start than Marcy’s book. The Anchorage Barnes and Noble has it up finally, and I saw somebody thumbing through it there last Tuesday. I told her to buy it. She smiled, put it under her shoulder, and wandered off.
Where the hell is everybody?
TRex @ 7
Because I spilled coffee on my tazer.
Never has the lake been so dead at 5 pm on a Sunday.
I think that people may be way too intimidated by the high level of discourse and the impressive authors and the superb moderation to feel like they can offer much.
Maybe you should repost the job as party planner?
Hey y’all. I’m here!
It sounds like big fun, but I can’t see having the time to do it.
Some
suckerpigeonpatriot will be up for it, I’m sure.Alison @ 11
I’m quite confident the right person will emerge from the FDL ranks. The quality of people we have commenting here is superb, they always do.
TOMMY!!
Maybe we could draw straws.
cleter @
15
I’d prefer we not do that.
I would love to do the research but my husband and I are in the middle of a separation, after me spending months sitting with him undergoing chemo for colin cancer and I tend to like books with strong female characters such as Tyler’s or Miller’s. So I’m not sure I’m a good fit. Jane, FYI, your nurses are your best friends.
Wish I could help you, but I don’t have the credentials to do it. Have you asked at C&L or Kos? I wonder if Josh Marshal would know of anyone (I’m not sure you guys talk to him at all, since I still don’t see him on your blog roll, although articles from his blog are cited or referred to often enough.) I thought of him because he’s in the business. It seems to me someone hangs around here or at one time hung around here that fits this bill to a T. Problem is, I can’t remember who.
((((((JPL)))))). So sorry you are going through that.
Alison @
1
Funny, I had the exact same reaction. But I’d be a terrible fit in just about every way imaginable.
JPL @ 17
Wow. Separation and cancer. I feel ya.
Is this a paid position? If so I am afraid I could not accept. ;0)
Hi all!
Well, I sure have the desire, I know I have the enthusiasm, I might probably even have the skills, having written a little bit (mostly magazine articles, though, and often technical ones) and I can read, at least, and nothing would thrill me more than being able to work with such a stellar and wonderful group, but DAMN, I sure as hell don’t have the time. Especially right now. I couldn’t possible commit to something I wouldn’t feel comfortable about carrying through.
I know somebody whose a regular on this wonderful blog will, though.
OT..But Jen put up a post last PM on Steve’s condition.
http://www.thenewsblog.net/2007/03/up…..s-mom.html
Some improvement but sounds like he has sustained a right sided stroke. I hope there are some people in NYC that are looking out for him. I don’t know him but I miss him on his blog. If you believe in the power of positive thoughts or prayer, Steve can use them.
I will do it. Only if we can review 52 Impeach Bush books in a row, until we move on to authors who think Cheney should get fired!
Seriously, whoever can do this, it would be a nice gig.
Just curious —
Exactly how much of a commitment in time are we talking about here?
other than being vastly underqualified and not even remotely close to having the available time, I’m you guy.
What Morris Sheppard said…
How much time is it?
punaise @ 29
What if it’s not as much pun as you think?
Jane Hamsher @ 13
I didn’t mean to belittle the request for help or the job.
The party planner was a reference to Pach’s superb abilities to host a discussion of gaydar last night, in spite of one commenter’s attempts to reduce us all to an enraged, seething mass.
Pach said his role was as party host. That seemed to work for us pretty well.
Alison @ 31
Party host I could probably handle, as long as I don’t have to imbibe anything stronger than iced tea or Dr Pepper…
Morris Sheppard @ 30
I just put the “pun” in punted
(It’s the actually-writing-stuff part that’s tough)
So, I’m reading this Associated Press piece in the L.A.Times titled “Leahy to pursue White House subpoenas”. In the second to last paragraph, it says:
Err … shouldn’t that be “[Democrats] think Karl Rove is lurking behind every Bush in Washington”?
Is this what it’s like to post a comment? Nobody writes Frist! like the do on Atrios.
I sent an email with credentials. I love you guys.
punaise @ 34
Are you pun-ishing me for being a smart alec?
everybody must be watching the basketball games.
tommy yum @ 22
I actually did not mean to unload but I probably will again. One thing I did for my husband was to pu count downs on the number of chemos he needed on the fridge. It did seem to help.
meep! @ 35
So the Democrats just… made up Rove’s involvement in the Plame leak and the US Attorney firings? They must have some *really* fucking talented I.T. guys.
I think a reason for some of the silence here is that we don’t want to volunteer without really knowing what we are getting ourselves into. I am pretty sure I have the time, but what exactly is it you want? And how much assistance will we have at the beginning? I recently started a new job and I am just now emerging from the “deer in the headlights” phase – and boy am I tired.
BTW, I think it is a fabu idea Jane.
Twisted Martini @ 38
There are basketball games?
Then why have I been working in the studio all day???
are you interested in only progressive authors for book salon? the reason i ask is that there are lots of books i think are important reads that were written by people who either aren’t progressive, or i have no idea what their political orientation is…
just to give you an idea of the kinds books/authors i’m thinking of:
chalmers johnson – Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic
robert pape – Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism
ian lustick – Trapped in the War on Terror
jared diamond – Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
elizabeth kolbert – Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Nan, Nature, and Climate Change
‘course i have no idea if any of these authors would be willing to participate (for example i don’t bother including robert fisk – the guy says he doesn’t even use email!)
[i’m not arguing that the book salon shouldn’t be limited to progressive authors - there are lots of good reasons to do that… i’m just wondering what the policy is]
Twisted Martini @ 37
Ducks still dancing!
Morris, are you an artist?
Woohoo, Wolverines are getting a new coach!
selise @ 43
Just my two cents, but I would think that if their book is relevant to and illuminating of our current political situation, then why not?
Twisted Martini @ 46
My standard answer is that whether or not I am an artist is for others to decide. I do what I do. If you’re curious click on my name.
That Jared Diamond book is good.
Helen @ 40
that and i don’t think i would be any good at it. however, if there is anyone out there who’s interested in doing it, but doesn’t want to take it all on themselves – would it help if i volunteered to be your assistant?
This sounds like a job I’d love to do. *looks at piles of books surrounding her in the office. and the living room. and the spare bedroom, even with all the bookshelves*
Two questions.
1. Do you have any general time estimate on how much time this is expected to take per week?
2. Is the pump primed with a few in the pipeline, or is this coming off from a cold start?
Helen @
40
I tried to put some meat on those bones with my update. I’m sure I wasn’t complete. Ask questions!
The ideal person would be someone with good communication skills, very reliable, who likes books, and who has a good eye for and fondness for progressive authors. This person should be able to write 1000 word book reviews as needed or work with us to recruit reviewers/guest posters for specific books.
We have very large contact lists, so you don’t have to start with your own contacts. Just the time, energy and talent. How much time? Hard to say. Outside of any extra reading you do, the admin side of this would be something like 4-5 hours per week, I’m guessing.
TRex, Siun, Christy or jane, please correct me if I’m off on my estimate, either on the high or low side.
Morris Sheppard @ 48
I like.
boadicea @ 51
I don’t think we have a pipeline at the moment, mostly because we’ve just been stretched so thin. But getting back up to speed would not be hard, and we have suggestions offered previously in a small database.
We prefer to publicize progressive authors because the publishing houses have neglected them. That said, we’re not averse I think to hosting compelling content of interest to our audiences, even if it’s not by a self-consciously or self-identified progressive author. We are I think focused on non-fiction, however.
How’s about SeattleDan and SeattleTammy ? They comment on books and do reviews on the General’s site and actually own a bookstore.They seem pretty kewl. Just a suggestion.I’d do it but I’m a furriner, ya know.
Eli @ 54
Thank you.
Morris Sheppard @ 48
My standard answer is that whether or not I am an artist is for others to decide.
that’s a great response. not to take away from anyone who uses the title here. I’ve observed in France that people say “I paint”, or “I’m in graphics”, or “I do a bit of sculpture” – artiste is implicit but not stated up front. it’s almost presumptious to use the title there.
I would give you an enthusiastic “hell yeah!”
punaise @ 57
I take pictures.
Steve @ 25
Gotta admit I’m extremely saddened by Steve’s condition. I had a quadruple bypass myself in 2004, and I was sure Steve would come thru this as well as I did. It was no picnic, but it was certainly tolerable. They did the surgery on Tuesday, and they made me start walking by Thurs. afternoon. I was so sure that Steve, being younger, and quite possibly more fit, would be up and walking the halls by now. I feel so bad and so helpless. Let’s hope he knows how many people are praying and sending positive thoughts his way.
hahaha. I would be hopeless. I’m still reading books I bought 2 years ago!
Eli @ 59
tu es photographe.
Eli, you do some amazing work as well. Have you ever shot any martinis or cocktails?
Twisted Guinness @ 63
Thanks!
Um, not that I can recall… I’m generally not around them much, and when I am, I usually don’t have a camera with me. A martini would make for a very good photographic subject, though.
Eli @ 60
And you’re an artist. I checked it out. I love B&W!
If you are curious, click on my name and you’ll find out why!
The ideal person would be someone with good communication skills, very reliable, who likes books, and who has a good eye for and fondness for progressive authors. This person should be able to write 1000 word book reviews as needed or work with us to recruit reviewers/guest posters for specific books.
OK – so the reading and writing and reliability I can do. And I do have the time. It’s the “good eye for…progressive authors” that’s making me hesitate.
Suezboo @ 56
I think that independent, progressive booksellers are a great idea. They might know how to put something like this together really well. And they almost certainly know someone who does.
For most of LGBT history, for instance, it’s been the bookstores that were the institutional anchor for communities. Same has been true for leftists, playrights and poets.
The salon is not dissimilar to the work they’ve done for decades in disseminating the writing of interesting and powerful voices.
For what it’s worth, here’s the Guardian’s list of the top 10 independent bookstores worldwide.
What about contacting someone outside the box like the two Barbara’s, Ehrenreich and/or Kingsolver. I would be disappointed if they don’t check in here once and awhile. There views although different are certainly relevant. Did I mention above that I liked strong female authors??
JPL @
39
My God, unload all you want! We’re sympatico.
Twisted Martini @ 66
let me guess – you’re headquartered offshore for tax purposes. The Bahamas were all booked up, so you settled for Martinique.
Morris Sheppard @ 65
And you’re an artist. I checked it out. I love B&W!
Thanks! My first two years of high school photo were B&W, so I’ve always been more comfortable with it. Plus color adds a whole layer of complexity I’m not real adept at.
Morris Sheppard @ 49
Morris Sheppard is one of the finest woodworkers alive.
Morris – my sister-in-law got back to my wife re the chair. She says she WISHES she had one of your chairs, but doesn’t. Apparently, we talked about your arts and craft work when we were visiting her house near Albuquerque, but that was it. Sorry.
Another person who has mentioned your work to me is Anchorage sculptor Jeff Patrick.
Helen @ 68
I’m sure others would help with that. Any time one of us reads or hears about book that would be fitting, we could devise a system to let you know. Maybe a post asking for suggestions, or maybe just an email.
Twisted Martini @ 66
Wow, not at all what I was expecting. If I ever take any martini photos that are worth a damn, I’ll be sure to let you know.
What about Tom DeLay? He has a new book out. In it, he blames everything on everyone– from the dirty liberals to Newt, Armey, Hastert… everyone but… Tom DeLay. He’d be such a great guest for the Salon. And then Katherine Harris’ book, if she ever finishes it… I just finished a little fanatsy about Mark Foley’s book, a collaborative effort with Mitch McConnell and other closeted gay homophobes in Congress.
It would be my pleasure to help you sell them!
Can it be audiobooks only? I am soooo lazy!
Morris Shepherd –
well that was embarassing . . . can’t believe I didn’t connect you with the MS of the Greene and Greene collection –
as a birthday gift to me, mr. cbl once went along on a charity interior design tour of homes in Woodside – and one of your pieces was in the foyer – he thanked me for dragging him along, oh yeah, big fan ;)
Morris and Eli, I’ve been poring over your sites and admiring your works this afternoon. Thanks so much for sharing!
Helen, the beauty of this is no one in this role has to operate in a vacuum, and among those of us in the blog, we are networked pretty well throughout the whole national progressive movement, and our reach is expanding every week.
The books and authors are not so hard to find, in fact, people contact us asking to be selected as a featured author/book. But we like to select based on our own agenda, not merely respond.
If that’s the point of hesitancy for you or for anyone else, then it should be manageable. And, if you have a friend or we get two volunteers, the two of you could perhaps tag team and help each other.
Twisted Martini @ 77
Thanks! Umm, don’t hold your breath, though. (I’ll start trying to persuade people to order martinis if I’m ever at dinner or cocktails with my camera in tow…)
LoudounLib @ 80
Thanks, LL!
I think the perfect host (not me, I’m trying to WRITE a book) would be an Indie Bookshop person who reads and writes the blurbs that get us to look and sometimes buy when we walk into the store (I’m thinking of you, Elliot Bay Bookstore). It’s the kind of thing that kills two birds with one stone: it picks up new books and advertises the store’s stuff.
Just saying.
Ann in AZ @
18
TPM is not on the blogroll?! What gives? The TPM gang (Josh Marshall, Paul Kiel, and David Kurtz) are to the Fired US Attorneys scandal what FDL is to the Plame scandal.
I’m working with a photographer who was so fired up he hired a stylist to help him put some shots together. He’s sent me 20 so far with 30 more to come!
howieklein @ 77
The aforesaid authors may kiss the sole of my dirty shoes and I still wouldn’t help them put one plugged nickel in their wallets.
Twisted Martini @ 86
A stylist? Martinis need a *stylist*???
howieklein @ 77
Heh.
Did you catch him on MTP this morning? What a fool. Joe Sestak chewed him up and spat him out. A former exterminator telling a three star Admiral who commanded carrier battlegroups about military strategy. What a joke.
BTW who noticed that both of the neocon idiots on the panel were under investigation or indictment? I also love it when Richard Perle, who has never been right about anything, predicts the future.
Pachacutec @ 82
I was actually thinking that co-editors would not be a bad idea. This strikes me as a big undertaking, and sharing the load seems wise.
Pachacutec @ 81
OK – you’ve convinced me. Where do I sign up? And c’mon FDL’rs who’s gonna tag team with me?
I’m still scratching my head about why DeLay was even on TV today.
LoudounLib @ 92
As opposed to, y’know, IN PRISON.
Eli @ 94
;-)
Helen, great! Send an email to the special account Jane set up:
I’ll do it. Just tell me what to do and when. Have no qualifications other than I’ve read thousands of books, including most of the classics and give good phone.
I nominate Chris Hedges book “American Fascists”.
LoudounLib @ 93
He has a new book he’s pushing, It’s a riot.
OT:
Just returned from a war rally in a repuke mecha of a blue state. It was fantastic, there were thousands of people (more than any other rally we’ve had) it was an encouraging sight!
Helen @ 92
I already sent an email along to the designated addy.
Let’s promote some books!
Helen @ 92
Given my time constraints, I’d be more than glad to help.
BerkshireHideaway @ 86
Josh, to my knowledge, has never provided a hat tip to fdl, yet has repeatedly taken stuff from secondary sources that had originated here. Back when David Kurtz was signing on at TPM as reader DK, or something like that, we doggies jumped on him for some egregious statements he made.
TPM Muckraker has become one of the most important sites on the web. Although Josh doesn’t allow comments about his essays at TPM (unless he’s posting an e-mail which he got), commenters responding to TPM Muckraker essays sometimes mention fdl, invariably in favorable light.
I’ll tag-team with somebody.
ooh do we get to suggest books now -
The Wrong Stuff – ‘Duke’ Cunningham Saga
it is a co authored piece, but we must have Marcus Stern at the Lake!
The Genius of Impeachment – The Founders Cure for Royalty
I just logged on, and I don’t know if anyone volunteered for this yet, but I would love to do this.
re TPM and FDL – my uninformed guess would be that there is mutual behind the scenes professional respect among the site owners.
Outside of Gore Vidal and Noam Chomsky all my favorite political writers are dead: Guy Debord, Michel Foucault — and Jean Baudrillard bought the farm just last week.
boadicea @ 99
Just sent an email too
After some persuasion KSM might volunteer…?
David Ehrenstein @ 106
Gore Vidal Book Salon would be a hoot.
FYI: Josh Marshall announced the other day on Talking Points Memo that they’re going to do a complete reorg of the TPM sites. It should be interesting to see how he organizes everything. They also are looking for a staffer.
Gore Vidal would be good. Michael Parenti. Somebody mainstreamish like Norm Ornstein to yell at respectfully would be nice as well.
LandOfTheFree @ 110
Hmmmm… MSM newspaper and other MSM organs laying off, closing down. Left blogs hiring. No tea leaves reading necessary.
i`m your person.retired,27 years in the u.s. navy,b.a.u.s.history,m.a. ed. psy.i never use capitals but i didn`t get it from e.e. cummings,i just think nothing is important enough to honor this with capitals.
Humor break. Pat Robertson’s getting sued over his milkshakes.
:)
I can help, if anyone’s interested…
You have my email, Jane…
trifecta @ 114
Your post would perhaps be enhanced by some video…
I would be interested in helping but am enough out of the mainstream to not know what books are in the pipeline. Is it possible to be a minor player in this process without signing on for the entire project?
Eli @ 117
Well, Stephanie Miller would like it more anyways :) Thanks.
Ed*ard Teller – yes, especially interesting after all the high-profile kudos TPM has been getting for being the main site investigating details of the US Attorney scandal.
(FDL should have received as much praise for the groundbreaking efforts on the Plame case!)
Oh, as far as book reviewing – I don’t read that much. I’m always interested to read the book reviews here, though.
And who is watching basketball? Not me. I’ve been working on a school show script/program and watching “Office Space” in the background. I love that movie… it’s one of those films you can watch several times and still laugh at it, especially if you’ve ever worked in an IT department of an a**-backwards corporation. Heh!
Eli upstairs with a Disgusting, Lying Cabal
Eli @ 109
And when he isn’t traveling he seems to be accessible and would probably love to do a FDL book salon, especially if he has someone with a laptop who could sit beside him and key in his words. Arianna knows him well and will know how to contact him by telephone and/or fax.
howieklein @
98
Morris and Eli: I just toured your sites and am inspired by your creations. Husband & I just retired and built a small woodworking shop. We are reading and learning by small steps. We love working cherry. Eli: Thanks for your answer yesterday – I was left behind in EPU-land. Also Alison – thanks for your thoughts on Valerie as primary target.
Karen
re: Delay on TV. My first thought is ‘backwards evolving dinosaur’ but I thought that might be uncharitable to pond scum.
You might want to call it something else.
When most “book people” see book editor, they think of someone who, you know, edits books: Punctuation, grammar, spelling, syntax–you know, editing.
That’s what I thought, and I was kinda excited at applying, since I’ve had some traditional book editing experience.
Other than that, I also have some pretty good contacts in the publishing biz for linking writers to online communities. Heck, I’ve run online review forums at other sites. This sounds very similar to other projects I’ve done in that vein, I’d like to help, but I simply don’t have time. Maybe if you did your book salons on another day, like Wednesday, I could swing it. But Sunday? Uh uh. No way. It’s my Friday.
Oh, this would be fun…but I’d have to cut into what I do as a grassroots activist to do it. Looks like we do have a few promising volunteers, though; hope we have a large enough team to cover this and give everybody a taste and some breathing room to read at the same time. Could make for a lot more exciting stuff in the Book Salon.
Suezboo @
55
Gee, I hope I can live up to pretty kewl! Thanks Suezboo!
I’m not sure how much time I could free up either, but it so happens I’m friends with Holly from Elliott Bay. I could see if she’d be interested in doing it with me. We could set things up ahead of time, with the publicists and authors; bookstores get to look at catalogs early. I do the booking for Seattle Mystery Bookstore events, and can contact authors fearlessly!
Dan and I do have a strong commitment to liberal books, they are heavily featured in our store.
OT- Dick Morris 2003:
I just noticed that the archive at the hill only goes back to 2004. How convenient.
tommy yum @
21
{{{{{{{{{tommy}}}}}}}}}
It might be a lot for one person to do, but divided up between two or three people, it would be feasible. At work I assist with a peer-reviewed journal. The managing editor deals with the authors; I contact reviewers suggested by the associate editor assigned to each manuscript to request their reviews and send them materials. Once a month, there’s an editorial meeting to discuss mss and make decisions to accept/reject/revise, and whether an editorial should be requested as well.
In this case, though… I could see
one person being responsible for reading/screening books and making suggestions about which ones to feature (since that would require a lot of reading);
another person to correspond with the authors (which would likely entail orienting them to the site and how post/comment, etc);
and a third to contact and recruit reviewers (which could also be time-consuming until you get an appropriate person to agree).
And it might be useful to use one of those sites designed for collaboration (especially for writers) where the three parties can communicate with each other (in lieu of editorial meetings), by updating entries books being considered/suggested, the status of correspondence with authors and reviewers, schedule of books to be presented on FDL’s book salon, etc.
Jane, please email me. I may be your guy. If you folks think me qualified I’ll give it my best shot.
Love all your posts and comments here too….
But moi and others in the same boat as moi?
Surely you jest….
What I need is a mentor to occasionally clarify the intricate legal nuances here…
My way of saying thank you to all for any crumbs thrown my way…
I would suggest talking with the General. He has some information regarding some very cool book store owners from the North West that you might find right up your alley.
Which General, you ask? THE General, I say.
Patriotboy.blogspot.com
Call Adreinne Barbeau, the actress and singer who is an absolutely premier book reviewer – and certainly knows how to approach authors.
I suggest we work from the classics Thudicles (sp?) the pelopenesian war and Sun Tzu the art of war, there is just so much about wars being fought for the wrong reasons the wrong way. Getting current translaters or military men to comment on how past knowledge applies now in our current situation would be great.Opposing bush’s policies hmm? Thomas Jefferson (a chance to stick it to the federalist society) Mencius, the Prince, works on liberation theology (I’ve been meaning to research that anyway). I would love to see George Will confronted by a person who read the classics and understood them.
Han Fei Tzu is a must he helped the first Chinese Emperor establish a police state that was as scary as anything Orwell would later dream about but he put it into practice without technology. Thankfuly cheney and Gonzo don’t have his skills, still there is nothing better for understanding the police state that Cheney wants to create!