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Karen Haserot's avatar

A great book to read is Joshua Muravchik's Heaven on Earth: The Rise and Fall of Socialism (2002). Muravchik was National Chairman of the Young People's Socialist League in the late 60s and early 70s, then shifted his politics towards the right. His thesis is that socialism -- plus other Marxist variants like communism and social democracy -- are attempts to supplant traditional religions with an ideology supposedly grounded in "science." Seeing Marxist-isms in this light, as "religions," I think is super helpful.

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Daniel Hall's avatar

I'd add David Horowitz's book " Destructive Generation - Second Thoughts About The 60s" to a potential reading list. Horowitz was in the thick of it with the Black Panthers, Weathermen, & Students for a Democratic Society as the editor of their publication Ramparts Magazine. He doesn't say much about the Frankfurt intellectuals but he is extremely well versed on the violent "New Left" and does a great job describing their tactical switch from a violent overthrow of the US govt to the "quiet/soft revolution that was a major component of the march through the institutions. He is a prolific author, and excellent historical analyst of that era. There is a fair amount of overlap in some of his books & I highly recommend reading one or more,

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Steven Brizel's avatar

David Horowitz is a keen student of the Left and understands the ideology of the left very clearly and has special insight as a person who was a product of the left and walked away from the left

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Steven Brizel's avatar

Thankfully. this generation has a number of conservative authors whose books , radio shows and podcasts are must reading and listening . Mark Levin's books especially Unfreedom of the Press, American Marxism and the soon to be released book about why the Democrats Hate America and his nightly show are a must as is Ben Shapiro's show, whose views on polticis , culture and the family are always worth listening to or reading in his books, especially if you are a member where Ben interviews fascinating guests . Matt Walsh is singularly responsible for exposing the fraudulent junk science that is called the trans movement. All owe a lot to Rush Limbauigh who was the pioneer in conservative talk radio. The WSJ editorial and op ed page is a great resource too-while the news coverage in the WSJ is not as bad as the legacy media, the WESJ editorial and op ed page is always worth a read.

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Christopher F. Rufo's avatar

Interesting recommendation.

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Cailin63's avatar

I also recommend David Horowitz’s book “Radical Son” for an insider’s look at growing up as a “Red Diaper Baby” during 50s - 60s. Eye opening.

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Christopher F. Rufo's avatar

Horowitz is great.

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