Good books about modern liberalism?

[Mathematician]

I'm looking for books about modern liberalism (socialism, Middle East foreign policy, social tolerance, poverty, environment), either fiction or non-fiction.

I've just got done reading 1984 and I want more. Did Einstein write anything about why he was a socialist?

 

[Mathematician]

I just read The Left Hand of God: Taking Back our Country from the Religious Right. Great book that even goes out to critique certain liberals opposed to religion.

http://www.amazon.com/Left-Hand-God-Country-Religious/dp/0060842474

Before detailing his plan, he provides an extensive survey of American history and ideology, rife with examples of dominant and controlling attributes favored by those on the right (the "right hand of God") who believe in a frightening world replete with evil and ruled by an avenging God. This contrasts with what he considers the loving, kind and generous tendencies of those at the "left hand of God," who instead believe in a compassionate and merciful deity. These delineations occur on both sides of the political aisle—and not solely within one religion. Rabbi Lerner addresses both the "intolerant and militaristic" tactics of the political right and the "visionless... often spiritually empty" tenets of the political left with an even hand. His vision of a country devoid of poverty, homelessness, unemployment and uninsured citizens comes with an actual blueprint, in which Americans rededicate themselves to traditional values of love, kindness, respect and responsibility. Unfortunately, the rays of hope delivered in this impassioned proposal are buried in an often rambling and repetitive dialogue that may alienate those most likely to respond.

 

[des]

I think that Jim Wallis is more of moderate than a liberal but "God's Politics" has some very good stuff in it. It kind of gets repetitious.
The point is mostly how the message about justice and poverty have
gotten forgotten in the current hullabaloo about gay marriage and abortion.
He has an interesting website: www.sojo.net-- Sojourners. I get their newsletter but it is almost too much to read.


I really like "Stealing Jesus: How Fundamentalism Betrays Christianity" by Bruce Bawer. A few others some stuff by Spong is almost a requirement,
as is Matthew Fox. (These three are more about Christian liberalism, they do include stuff about general liberal concerns.)

I don't know if you have access but I like to listen to/ watch Democracy Now (this is on PBS and NPR some places and also Direct TV 375). This is serious liberal issue oriented stuff, not the stuff that was on Air America.
This is talking heads and the anchor has a terrible speaking voice, imo.
For more info, www.democracynow.org
I also like NOW and Frontline on PBS, some NPR stuff, and BookTV on CSPAN2.

A couple books i have heard the authors but haven't read: Anything by Scott Ritter and a book with a title like Blackwater: the world's largest mercenary army (?).



--des