Katrina vanden Heuvel: Progressive Book Lovers of the World, Unite!

[marmar]

from The Nation:



Progressive Book Lovers of the World, Unite!
posted by Katrina vanden Heuvel on 06/16/2008 @ 12:17pm



"Books have always played a pivotal role in our nation's history, changing America in remarkable ways. Imagine the American Revolution without Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Where would the abolitionist movement have been without Uncle Tom's Cabin? How would the social reforms of the Progressive Era ever have been enacted without Upton Sinclair's The Jungle? What would be the condition of the natural environment today if Rachel Carson's Silent Spring had never been published?"

This strong articulation of the power of books--and the ideas they bring to our politics and culture--comes from the mission statement for the newest organization in the progressive firmament, the Progressive Book Club (PBC). At this defining moment in our nation's history--a time which demands we examine complex issues from new perspectives, ask tough questions and press for real change--it's very good news that a venture like PBC, dedicated, like The Nation, to enriching our political and cultural conversation and debate, launches today.

As editor and publisher of a magazine that has taken ideas seriously for 143 years, I'm very pleased to be a part of its Editorial Board, along with Michael Chabon, Dave Eggers, Barbara Kingsolver, Hendrik Hertzberg, Edwidge Danticat, Mark Danner, John Podesta, Andy Stern, Bill McKibben, Robert Scheer, Jeff Faux, Eric Foner, Markos Moulitsas Zuníga, Amy Wilentz, Joan Bingham, Lewis Lapham and others.

I believe that the return of ideas to our politics is critical as we rebuild and strengthen our democracy. It's also a vital time to enrich the marketplace of ideas and challenge a media universe which too often trivializes and sensationalizes politics.

"As Americans become increasingly involved with the political process and concerned about our nation's direction, the progressive movement is at a critical crossroads," said Elizabeth Wagley, Progressive Book Club founder and CEO. "We've created an innovative platform that encourages people to explore important issues and engage in debate, while empowering them to learn more--and do more--to make a difference." ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thenation.com/blogs/edcut/330135