Ron Paul's reading list to his supporters

[manny]

I like this thread. Isn't it nice to support an intellectual candidate?

Well as others have mentioned I think a lot of the reading would be history, economics, political thought: Rothbard, Hayek, Friedman, Mises I imagine being his favorites, though I'm sure the good doctor would encourage us to read widely of people we disagree with.

My favorite period in history is the French Revolution. In it we have a wonderfully rapid display of what happens with unlimited power, however good the intentions might be. We also see the many arguments - usually emotional - used to attack a restricted government. And much else! The historiography of the period is very complicated, but wikipedia has a good page where people can start to try to find some of the writers:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historiography_of_the_French_Revolution

There is of course for those wanting an introduction:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Revolution


Hope some people find this interesting - it has shaped much of my views on history and politics - and basically turned me into the cynic I am today who always wants to see politicians tightly controlled!


As for a more immediate reading list might I recommend this site:

http://www.lewrockwell.com/rothbard/rothbard-lib.html

Don't know if everyone already knows it, but it's a real goldmine of political and economic commentary for the last 30/40yrs, with various articles on history etc. One of my favorite sites. I would point people to the discussions of Reagan, the Crash of '29 and FDR as particular favorites.

 

[SeanEdwards]

I doubt he would pimp Atlas Shrugged...

You know what, I'll just toss out "1984" for the sake of it.

Paul has spoken of his admiration for the philosophy of Ayn Rand. How do you think his son Rand got that name?

 

[NJ Carlos]

1. The Constitution
2. Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations by Michael Walzer *** Discusses "Just War Theory," very important to Paul's foreign policy positions ***
3. Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire by Chalmers Johnson
4. Targeting Iran by David Barsamian, Noam Chomsky, Ervand Abrahamian
5. The Late, Great USA: The Coming Merger with Canada and Mexico by Jerome R. Corsi
6. The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by John J. Mearsheimer, Stephen M. Walt
7. Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John J. Mearsheimer
8. The 5000 Year Leap: The 28 Great Ideas that Changed the World by W. Cleon Skousen

I strongly recommend most books written by Noam Chomsky and John J. Mearsheimer, both widely respected, though often controversial. Chomsky is brilliant in almost all of his work. Mearsheimer is an avid realist, and many of his great essays can be found online.

I also agree with others in their recommendation of Ron Paul's 2 books, including "Freedom Under Siege," which is a bit difficult to find anywhere but Amazon, from what I researched.

This is turning out to be a very resourceful thread. Hopefully I introduced some unique options, and I encourage others to do so as well. Thanks for your input so far, my Wish List is growing on B&N.com

 

[Thucydides]

I'd like to see Anarchy, State, Utopia in that list.

 

[ejw2076]

I'd like to see Anarchy, State, Utopia in that list.

beat me to it, so I'll go ahead and second. Excellent book.

 

[Bradley in DC]

Check my signature

 

[Revolutn]

http://www.amazon.com/Uncommon-Sense-Real-American-Manifesto/dp/0922356955

Uncommon Sense: The Real American Manifesto by William James Murray

I don't know that Dr. Paul would explicitly recommend this book, but I've read it and it fabulous and really explains some of the history about our founding.

John Adams speech during the Continental Congress against John Hancock regarding the Declaration is unbelievable, and WILL move you to tears - or you have no soul.

I've darn near worn my copy out, because I refer to it often for quotes and citing etc.

THIS is the kind of required reading school children should have - then they might not find history so lame.

Rev

 

[arks32]

For economics a great introduction before the heavy stuff...

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt