I don\'t know anything about politics
 

What are the first five books I should read?

I realize that we're supposed to keep one-line posts to a minimum, but as I said, I don't really know anything. I'd like to learn though.

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

ron paul would fix it imo...

by the internetz

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

Are you interested in any aspect of politics? Current events? Philosophical?

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

I don't know about this reading books approach, do you have opinions on issues? There's a lot of information out there, in interesting videos and informative articles or blog posts.

I'm assuming you're American so I'd recommend reading the Constitution. Oh, but definitely read this quote:

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The time will come when we entrust the conduct of our affairs to the men who understand that their first duty as public officials is to divest themselves of the power that they have been given. It will come when Americans, in hundreds of communities throughout the nation, decide to put the man in office who is pledged to enforce the Constitution and restore the Republic. Who will proclaim in a campaign speech: 'I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size. I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom. My aim is not to pass laws, but to repeal them. It is not to inaugurate new programs, but to cancel the old ones that do violence to the Constitution, or that have failed in their purpose, or that impose on the people an unwarranted financial burden. I will not attempt to discover whether legislation is “needed” before I have first determined whether it is constitutionally permissible. And if I should later be attacked for neglecting my constituents’ “interests,” I shall reply that I was informed their main interest is liberty and that in that cause I am doing the very best I can. Barry Goldwater

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

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Are you interested in any aspect of politics? Current events? Philosophical?

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I would like to develop a historical, theoretical, and philosophical understanding that would help me interpret current events.

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

In that case, I would start with the Federalist Papers. I'm sure you can find a compendium somewhere.

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

If you really want to understand the deep issues in politics, especially american politics, I'd start with things like the constitution and the federalist papers as iron said.

Nearly every major political idealogy has at least a few famous works that are considered guidebooks.

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

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In that case, I would start with the Federalist Papers. I'm sure you can find a compendium somewhere.

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It would be cool if you started a "Recomended Reading" thread and stickied it. I think a lot of people would find it useful. I know I would. Unfortunately, I'm someone who's formed most of my political opinions by talking to others. I like to read and would definately like to read some good political books.

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

A People's History of the US, Howard Zinn. Hopefully the title is right.

Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
 

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A People's History of the US, Howard Zinn. Hopefully the title is right.

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this book is soooo hard to finish imo. but great. just looong and detailed.