Xlog

For those of you who follow my Shelfari list, you will know I have been engrossed in a book by Jonah Goldberg titled Liberal Fascism. This is one of the best political books I have read in years and a book I recommend to everyone–especially my liberal/progressive friends. The book helps to create a genealogical record of modern progressivism which to me was a very surprising history.  I think many conservatives and progressives lack a good understanding of the historical underpinnings of their beliefs.

I have been very surprised by the visceral reaction this book evokes, especially amongst my friends on the left.  Surely, the Hitler mustache superimposed over the smiley face is designed to grab attention and sell more books.  I should make clear, that this book does not attempt to link modern progressives with Nazism or Hitler.  Jonah goes out of his way, as the author, to make sure it is clear that is not his intention.  His goal is to set the record straight about where fascism lies on the political spectrum.  It was and is a phenomenon of the left not the right as is so commonly believed.

Here is the author Jonah Goldberg talking about it.

Because of the reaction to the book, I am adding another video clip where Jonah is talking to Will Wilkinson of the Cato Institute about the book and the reaction to it.  You can see it here:

http://bloggingheads.tv/diavlogs/8244