Bill Moyers Journal: Bill Moyers' Reading Recommendation

I am trying to find the name of the book that Bill said was his choice. Either list it clearly here or send me an email. Love you all. Don Can't tell you (no words) how important your show is and how we look forward to it each week. We also have been able to get a lot of new viewers from our pool of acquaintances.

Posted by: don pfau | August 18, 2008 1:21 PM

I would recommend the Torah or Bible, too complex for some, how about Robert H. Schuller "Believe in the God Who Believes in You"

Posted by: sonny charles urbine | June 10, 2008 5:28 AM

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. I am stunned this morning to find that the PBS Discussion forums have been erased from our midst. I would have put forward a recommendation here that our next president go to forums such as this to apprise himself of the thoughts, distractions, urgencies of the people he will serve. That's a biggie, and those forums are a precious record of precisely that. Failing this, I cannot recommend anything more heartily than that he read Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot, and particularly the final quartet. I had some great things to say on it this morning; pbs has prevented that conversation from continuing. I take heart though that Barack Obama has promised to reverse GW Bush's unConstitutional edicts - hopefully better times are ahead.

Posted by: juliania | May 30, 2008 8:36 AM

I'm not sure if anyone's continuing to read these recommendations, but as a European History AP student back in high school, I learned about "what a President needs to keep under his/her pillow." Mrs. Adrienne Phillips, deserving to be President in her own right, required our class to read Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince," which describes the ways by which a leader needs to be respected, feared, etc..., and puts forth in characteristically pragmatic terms how a leader can and should be great. Thank you.

Posted by: Robert Amador | May 29, 2008 12:23 AM

I'm not sure if anyone's continuing to read these recommendations, but as a European History AP student back in high school, I learned about "what a President needs to keep under his/her pillow." Mrs. Adrienne Phillips, deserving to be President in her own right, required our class to read Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince," which describes the ways by which a leader needs to be respected, feared, etc..., and puts forth in characteristically pragmatic terms how a leader can and should be great. Thank you.

Posted by: Robert Amador | May 29, 2008 12:22 AM

I would recommend the following books to the president elect: "Memo to the President Elect," by Madeleine Albright; "Screwed, the Undeclared War against the Middle Class," by Thom Hartmann; and "The Real Wealth of Nations, A Caring Revoluntion," by Riane Eisler. Thanks for the Moyers show. Charlene Davis

Posted by: Charlene Davis | March 14, 2008 9:49 PM

I would recommend that the president elect read the following books: "Memo to the President Elect," Madeleine Albright; "The Real Wealth of Nations--A Caring Revolution," by Riane Eisler; and "Screwed, the Undeclared War against the Middle Class," by Thom Hartmann. Thank you, CD

Posted by: Charlene Davis | March 14, 2008 9:37 PM

I've recently published a book that gets to the heart of the matter for the next president. The title is The Mismanagement of America, Inc.(iUniverse, 2008). The book deals specifically with gross mismanagement and poor leadership in the White House and Congress and issues a warning about the huge problems facing the country that soon must be confronted and corrected by U.S. leaders. Sample chapters include: "Fiscal and Financial Irresponsibility, And a Looming Crisis"; "The Intelligence Community: A Clear Case of Unintelligent Design"; and "Power and Influence Gone Wrong: The Lobbyist Scourge and Costly Mismanagement" (Mr. Moyers figures prominently in this chapter). This is a serious book that focuses on serious, concrete issues and problems that the President and Congress can ignore no longer. It represents a call for much needed action to avoid major troubles and certain distress.

Posted by: Lawrence G. Hrebiniak, Ph.D. | March 1, 2008 4:10 PM

"Guns, Germs, and Steel". This is Jared Diamond's companion volume to "Collapse". You shouldn't read one without the other.

Posted by: John Zipeto | February 25, 2008 5:07 PM

"Energy Victory", by Robert Zubrin

Posted by: Dennis Keck | February 23, 2008 12:37 PM

I would recommend that the new president read The Engaged Spiritual Life by Donald Rothberg. This book teaches us how to be fighters for justice and social change while remaining compassionate whole, and energetic. The next president will need all the stamina, patience, caring, and wisdom s/he can get. I think it's found in this wonderful book.

Posted by: Kristin Loken | February 23, 2008 12:16 AM

I have a good self help series of books by the author Merle Shain. She wrote some beautiful books for people who desire to communicate on a more equal level and increase ones understanding of self in relationship. such books as: Some men are more perfect than others. When lovers are friends. hearts that we broke long ago. they are beautifully written and offer great insight.

Posted by: lee jankowski | February 21, 2008 5:04 PM

Having just completed William Morris' two part biogrqaphy of Theodore Roosevelt, I wold recommend them as we face amny of the same events as he did. I woould then recommend reading all the TR did as well.

Posted by: Tim Carvalho | February 21, 2008 2:00 PM

Having just finished William Morris' two part biography of Theodore Roosevelt, I believe we face many of the same events and challenges and so would recommend them as starting adn then read all the books that TR read as well.

Posted by: Tim Carvalho | February 21, 2008 1:57 PM

Knowing that reading a book by the next president doesn’t make a difference in this political situation, in spite of that I will recommend “Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace” by Gore Vidal. I believe Gore Vidal is the most influential historian and critic of our time! Ezzat Goushegir

Posted by: Ezzat Goushegir | February 20, 2008 9:22 PM

I would recommend for the next president to read: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. This country in the last 7 years has slowly been structured as an empire in the world, willing to conquer most any country it's "emperor" wishes. There are lessons to be learned here.

Posted by: Rich Martel | February 20, 2008 8:19 PM

Book recommendations for the next President: Robert Reich's Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life. The new President needs a 21st Century view of economics and politics. Robert Reich describes changes in capitalism and American politics since the digital and transportation revolution that started in the 1970’s and shows how the new "super capitalism" affects public policy decisions, the judicial system, and the lives of workers for the worse while being very good for investors and consumers. Reich offers recommendations to make government function for the common good. He gives examples of how voluntary changes in personal or corporate behavior alone do not, and cannot, work and why public policies are necessary. One fundamental change is required before public policy decisions can be free of the flood of corporate money that has dominated in the few last decades. Corporations must be seen by the legal system for what they are, bundles of contracts. They are not people, and they are not entitled to be treated as people. Much will change when we take corporate money out of politics. Mark E. Eberhart's Feeding the Fire, The Lost History & Uncertain Future of Mankind's Energy Addiction. Everhart recounts the history...

Posted by: Linda Sander | February 20, 2008 4:31 PM

My recommended book for our next president to read is Crane Brinton’s A History of Western Morals. The edition I have was published in 1959; it is available on ebay. It is a meticulously researched document. The first chapter is an extensive introduction, the next twelve chapters constitute a history of Western morals beginning with “The Ancient Near East”, and concluding with “The Twentieth Century.” The next chapter is titled “The Problem of Moral Progress”, He makes…”some rough estimates of the nature and of the degree of changes …of the moral history of the West.” He emphasizes that these measurements are…”imprecise…judgements and insights.”…Is there revealed in Western history an outline of moral progress? I think the author leans slightly to the positive. …”The prize exhibit of those who can still believe in moral progress is the Western achievement in abolishing chattel slavery…” In the final chapter Mr. Brinton seeks to…”estimate the moral value and probable or possible moral consequences of some our contemporary world views…is the doctrine of Progress…wise, good.” He discusses in detail tensions that have arisen in the past 200 years between the Enlightenment and Christianity…”’Man is the measure of all things’” does not mean, “’man is the...

Posted by: Richard Tossetti | February 19, 2008 7:21 PM

Claire Benson (Feb. 17 10:32am) broke into the 2,732 person que on Power Reading to say how This Bill Moyers' Journal blog is one of the only citizen's expression of outrage outlets available to the frail, the overworked, and those not wanting to be darted, shot, gassed, beaten, hog-tied or tazed by the brutes who protect our oppressors. She further scolded Bill Moyers for being an unreasonable Establishment gatekeeper and agenda censor, just like many newspaper editorial pages. She asked how anything ever gets attention without the "organized effort" Moyers has labeled as "unfair." Maybe our fear, the fear citizens like Claire and myself express, is too much for Bill Moyers to bear, for it coincides with the real threats he faces as a public figure. Grady Lee Howard and I asked you to watch his eyes and hands on air, to read between his comments like a Russian. The other night with Johnson and Bittle (as he shamelessly shilled their s**tty book) he mentioned his 4 yr. old grand daughter who will be 36 in 2040. It made me really wonder if these fascist thugs have threatened his family, directly or by innuendo.(Was this coded speech from a...

Posted by: Jack Martin | February 19, 2008 3:07 PM

I appreciate your comments on last week's show regarding DRG's Debunking 9/11 Debunking. At least you mentioned the author and book names. However, I would like to suggest David Ray Griffin for an interview on your show. The unanswered questions and coverups of this horrendous crime which has led to unending war in the middle east deserves to be addressed, please! many of us have family who have served or have been wounded. we need you as an american journalist to address the growing world-wide truth movement! thank you, Kathleen

Posted by: Kathleen Sobolewski | February 18, 2008 1:29 PM

The book I'd like the next president to read is the 1831 classic...Democracy in America, by Alexis de Tocqueville. I'd hope the president would see again, through the clarity of de Tocquevill's outsider's view, the egalitarian ideals enshrined in the flourishing democratic system of 1830's America, bringing our next president and our nation a renewed respect and understanding for the institutions in the evolving experiment that is America. -- Tara Weidner, Portland, Oregon

Posted by: Tara Weidner | February 16, 2008 1:22 AM

I would recommend, The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle for the next president to read. As a culture, we never seem to be living in the present moment. Here, the author leads you personally down the road to see how we let ourselves be taken over by the ego. I would like our next leader to be someone who can lead from this place and not from an ego perspective. Thanks!!!

Posted by: Graham Quigley | February 16, 2008 12:47 AM

Mr. Moyers, I & my husband so enjoy your show; well, sometimes not enjoy but just get outraged. Information is so hard to come by on TV nowadays. Thanks goodness or PBS. I perused the book entries but did not see my entry so I am submitting again. I recommend Paul Krugman's "The Conscience of a Liberal," which explains in great detail the economic state of our country. The great "middle class" that the candidates are speaking of now was a social engineering idea of FDR. Deliberate policies of taxation and benefits (The New Deal) enabled our large middle class to come into existance. My father retired as a college professor instead of a welder because of the GI Bill. My husband liked Naomi Klein's "Shock Doctrine." Please keep up the great program; we were overjoyed at your return to PBS.

Posted by: Peggy Evans | February 15, 2008 10:47 PM

Bill, I would like to see if they can read and understand Bhagavad Gita-at least Chapter 3. They don't have to look at it as a religous reading rather an understanding and accepting their convictions.

Posted by: Bhanu | February 15, 2008 9:53 PM

For the new president: Any undergraduate text on Basic Physics

Posted by: Al | February 15, 2008 9:17 PM

I recommend that the next president read Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler. The young Hitler's astute observations about the social neglect and thoughtlessness of the affluent which he took full advantage mirror the same rich/poor divide in today's America.

Posted by: William Gergen | February 15, 2008 9:12 PM

I was just looking over aldrous huxleys a brave new world. what makes it stand out in these times is the way the people of the book control themselves without coersion to perpetuate their standard of living. the greatest fear of the people in the book comes from losing the chemical and emotional blinders that keep reality at bay

Posted by: lee jankowski | February 15, 2008 2:40 PM

For the Prez book list, and as a suggestion for an interview with an author who presents a position contrary to any put forth by any candidates for the position - I suggest Michael Scheuer's latest, "Marching Toward Hell; America and Islam after Iraq". An intelligence community veteran, he presents a view critical of our present and past policies and the elite/insiders who perpetuate these failed policies. Anyone who can rip Bush 1, Clinton AND Bush 2 with cogent, well-researched arguments based in historical record is someone whose view of the world is decidedly outside anything mainstream America media presents, to our loss.

Posted by: bob smith | February 15, 2008 12:07 PM

The Arrogance of Power by William Fulbright. This book was written in 1966 and is astounding to read in light of the Bush legacy. A new president would could find no better source of insight and wisdom.

Posted by: Robert Smith | February 15, 2008 11:32 AM

How about Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication? Basic tools for changing the tone of the presidency and, perhaps, undoing some of the damage of the last 25 years. Heck, I'd be willing to spend tax dollars to send coaches to work with the Administration.

Posted by: PaperMaven | February 15, 2008 8:28 AM

I would think Plato's Republic would be on that list. Isn't there something about "the republic for which we stand". If our politicians were statesman and trained for their job we would not be in the mess we are in NOW.

Posted by: David Eddy | February 15, 2008 4:25 AM

The Wilsonian Moment: Self-Determination and the International Origins of Anti-Colonial Nationalism by Erez Manela There is a good review in the new issue of LRB: http://www.lrb.co.uk/v30/n04/mish01_.html

Posted by: thanapol limapichart | February 15, 2008 3:02 AM

Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter. I think that the middle east issue confilct if the issue of our time and the US needs to become a more neutral broker in this...although at this point it seems its too late.

Posted by: G Singh | February 14, 2008 4:04 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, I don't believe the next President needs the help of a book to lead us out of the trouble we are in; but rather only the simple truth that will right the wrongs and set us free. = MJA = MJA

Posted by: Michael J Ahles | February 14, 2008 1:18 PM

I would strongly recommend bot the World is Flat by Thomas Friedman and The Ecology of Commerce, by Paul Hawken. Both books have so much meaning in todays world that they can't be overlooked.

Posted by: Richard Ault | February 14, 2008 1:12 PM

The Journal is not the only venue filtering content for self-preservation. The Discovery Channel, after purchasing exclusive rights to "Taxi to the Dark Side" has now refused to run it. This means no TV, no DVD or VHS and no Internet downloads without dissolution of the Discovery embargo. (Available only in major city theatre release for a limited time) There have been instances of the Bush administration underwriting "patriotic" (self-serving, fear inducing, 24-type) programming and of course Al Jazeera is excluded from the U.S., but now we must inquire if our sinister parental government is involved in this TTDS censorship strategy. It was amazing how all the controlled demolition was pulled from Discovery after 9/11 skepticism arose. Anyway, that's a pretty good slogan for Bill Moyers Journal: FILTERING CONTENT FOR SELF-PRESERVATION. So much for free inquiry... Some prefer a colonized mind. Happy Valentine's Day Moyeristas!

Posted by: Jack Martin | February 14, 2008 9:57 AM

New book: "President Lincoln: The Duty of a Statesman" by William Lee Miller. Should be read by every American, but most especially by those who aspire to public office.

Posted by: Mary | February 14, 2008 9:37 AM

The Geography Of Thought by Nisbett Consumed by Barber Denial Of Death by Becker

Posted by: Douglas Dilfer | February 13, 2008 10:00 PM

I highly recommend two books: The Mastery of Love and The Four Agreements, both by Don Miguel Ruiz. Of all the books I've read, both of these books speak to our dysfunctional society is and how it could be better. If we could all get our heads around these ideas: Be Impeccable with your Word, Don't take anything Personal, Don't make Assumptions and Do your Best. Just imagine!

Posted by: Carol Wagner | February 13, 2008 7:53 PM

One book that has not been mentioned is PARIS 1919: SIX MONTHS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD by Margaret MacMillan, Professor of History at University of Toronto, Provost at Trinity College, who is now at Oxford in England. It is said that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. We seem to have forgotten the Treaty of Versailles which ended the First World War, because 90 years later the chapters on the Middle East in this book could have been written yesterday. Clemenceau, Woodrow Wilson, and David Lloyd George, Margaret's greatgrandfather went into the Conference with such high hopes. A stunner of a book, which every American president should read.

Posted by: Joy Salmon Moon | February 13, 2008 6:07 PM

A great book you seem to have missed is "PARIS 1919: Six Months that Changed the World" by Margaret MacMillan, former Professor of History at University of Toronto, former provost of Trinity College at the University of Toronto. She is now at Oxford University I believe. It is said that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. We seem to be repeating chapter after chapter of Paris 1919. Just look at the sections on the middle East, and the horrendous mistakes the Peacemakers made 90 years ago. Perhaps the next resident of the White House might learn from the mistakes of Clemenceau, Woodrow Wilson, and Margaret's great grandfather David Lloyd George.

Posted by: Joy Salmon Moon | February 13, 2008 6:00 PM

I know I'm late, but I knew instantly what book I'd want my President to live by: "A Prayer for America" by Dennis Kucinich. It oh-so-eloquently calls us to our highest manifestation as the America we could be--hopefully, the America we will become.

Posted by: Kathleen Ferguson | February 12, 2008 10:24 PM

Any undergraduate text on Thermodynamics.

Posted by: John Blake | February 12, 2008 2:16 PM

"The Case against the Fed" by Murray N. Rothbard. -Jim B. Austin TX

Posted by: Jim B | February 12, 2008 11:49 AM

Bill, Whether we see suggestions of the "most appropriate" book for the president to read or not on your list, a dialog is initiated. That's the important thing. And I thank you for that.

Posted by: Frank | February 12, 2008 12:25 AM

A possible solution: PEACE: A NEW WAY OF THINKING ABOUT ACHIEVING AND PRESERVING IT, at http://titan.iwu.edu/~rwilson/Peace.pdf

Posted by: Raymond G. Wilson | February 11, 2008 11:44 AM

Is there a college economics book listed anywhere?...Or even a college-level, BASIC-MATH book?...From the looks of the current situation, there wasn't even a K-12 math book 'opened'... How about a dictionary?...with a lil' page-marker included, showing 'right comes before rong'...?

Posted by: Sir vertual | February 11, 2008 10:02 AM

Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change by former U.S. Senator (and current Democratic presidential candidate) Mike Gravel, largely for his groundbreaking work toward the National Initiative for Democracy (NI4D), which would empower all American citizens to become lawmakers in partnership with their elected officials; the fourth check of our check-and-balance system. The NI4D would bring revolutionary change to the federal government and new hope for all Americans, who would have the power to focus attention on critical domestic issues that currently are swept aside for war and more war.

Posted by: S. Giffin | February 11, 2008 8:53 AM

How about "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. Our country has taken the do-whatever-is- best-for-us-regardless-of-who-we-step-on position. This is good in the short-term, in a culture where success is based on growth or quarterly profits, but it ignores the long term, empathy, listening, and understanding. Our next president needs to forget about where we are now and focus a little bit on where we came from.

Posted by: paul k | February 11, 2008 1:18 AM

I learned more about history, economics and politics from the DVD (sorry we're in the video age and it's too important not to list it) The Money Masters directed and narrated by Bill Still, than I did in all my years of college. This 3 1/2 hour documentary and it's follow up documentary Money As Debt, is not only reccomended for the next president, I think every human being on this planet, and those not so human, should see it. It's the missing piece of the puzzle that brings together all the other pieces mentioned here (fascism, 9/11, global domination, war, stock market controls, monetary policy, corporate greed, media control, the global elite, environmental degradation, and the list goes on). It is THEE information needed for the human race, once you understand the basics of world power, everything else falls into place.

Posted by: Suzette Robinson | February 10, 2008 11:13 PM

Bill, Thank you for the question and I would like to recommend "The Citizenship Papers" by Wendell Berry. I hope this recommendation is kept unlike the one I submitted earlier. Thanks Phyllis Griffin

Posted by: phyllis griffin | February 10, 2008 10:46 PM

Where is the press? I have been thinking -- why do we have a national debt when the congress has the power to create money? How was the government persuaded to borrow its own money and pay interest on it? This is a very expensive operation. According to the US Treasury Department’s web site, in the 20-year period from 1988 to the end of 2007, the national debt increased by $6.627 trillion. Treasury also reported that we paid $6,672 trillion in interest in the same time period. We paid more in interest than we borrowed! Why did we pay $45 billion more in interest than we borrowed? Is the whole national debt due too just the interest payments on it? The total bill for this period -the interest we paid plus the addition to our tab -- was $13.299 trillion! That’s a lot of money! If you spent $100 a second, it would take 317 years to spend a trillion dollars. For this bill it would take 4,216 years. In 2007 the estimated military budget was $463 billion while the interest payments were $430 billion. Defense spending was just $33 billion more than the interest payments. What are we getting...

Posted by: Bill Parks | February 10, 2008 10:23 PM

'Credo' by William S Coffin. A must read for anyone who says they have no time to read:)

Posted by: sonny charles urbine | February 10, 2008 9:33 PM

I don't guess Jr or Dick kept a monthly Natl. Geographic next to the thrown...Perhaps they would have picked up enough environmental / geologic info to persuade them to at least consider their grandchildren (or maybe ours?...or even the future of the planet?)...I've been complaining about greedy bastards since I was old enough to emulate my dad...but I also grew up waiting on the new Natl. Geo to show up each month too...I would think a gift subscription would be 'mandantory' at the office (if they can't put it on the card...And they do publish the definitive World Atlas (Hard Cover, with lots of pictures)

Posted by: Sir vertual | February 10, 2008 9:30 PM

Viva Michael Putos Feb. 10 7:25 pm for he has advocated for the unveiling of the other wing of the hard and distasteful truth we all must face. Truth is a near casualty: Debunking 9/11 Debunking. Our planet is a near casualty: Plan B 3.0. We must exercise both wings to survive!

Posted by: Jack Martin | February 10, 2008 8:05 PM

I recommend the next president to read the "Divine Commedy" by Dante Alighieri. Although written in the early 1300's its universality for good politics, ethics, justice and responsability in general is refreshing and life changing.

Posted by: Eleonora Del Federico | February 10, 2008 8:00 PM

Melissa Kramer's suggestion of February 9: "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, Translated by Edith Grossman, is great! Just read the opening of chapter 8, where I can easily imagine GWB as the voice of DQ: "At this point they came in sight of thirty forty windmills that there are on plain, and as soon as Don Quixote saw them he said to his squire, 'Fortune is arranging matters for us better than we could have shaped our desires ourselves, for look there, friend Sancho Panza, where thirty or more monstrous giants present themselves, all of whom I mean to engage in battle and slay, and with whose spoils we shall begin to make our fortunes; for this is righteous warfare, and it is God's good service to sweep so evil a breed from off the face of the earth.' "'What giants?' said Sancho Panza." The sad thing is, GWB doesn't seem to have had even a Sancho Panza. As for D911D, I had it still unread on my shelf when this brouhaha erupted and am now well into it. I think it's required reading...right after DQ!

Posted by: Geoff Hagopian | February 10, 2008 7:54 PM

M.K. Mori feb. 9-10:15 pm I am the Moyerista who suspects Bill is a hostage. You call people like me conspiracy theorists without considering that our assuptions may be correct. Several months ago I called a blogger from Kansas who was so upset by 9/11 material on You Tube that she was crying and couldn't sleep. I remembered how I cried when I realized at 13 that Lee Harvey Oswald was not the lone gunman. Anyway, after catharsis this 60 year old woman did more research and now is sure 9/11 was a false flag attack. I still get nauseous when I watch JFK being shot from the front. (If you look up a presentation by former LA detective Michael Ruppert you can see it too, as well as hear his 9/11 evidence.) About half the people in this country think something is fishy about the official account of 9/11. You mention Don Quixote who in Cervantes story was something of a conspiracy theorist himself. It was Cervantes who suffered torture under the Inquisition. Mr. Mori, why do you think our government needs torture and intimidation if things can be reconciled without truth? I feel sorry that you miss Cervantes...

Posted by: Jack Martin | February 10, 2008 7:54 PM

Melissa Kramer's suggestion of February 9: "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, Translated by Edith Grossman, is great! Just read the opening of chapter 8, where I can easily imagine GWB as the voice of DQ: "At this point they came in sight of thirty forty windmills that there are on plain, and as soon as Don Quixote saw them he said to his squire, 'Fortune is arranging matters for us better than we could have shaped our desires ourselves, for look there, friend Sancho Panza, where thirty or more monstrous giants present themselves, all of whom I mean to engage in battle and slay, and with whose spoils we shall begin to make our fortunes; for this is righteous warfare, and it is God's good service to sweep so evil a breed from off the face of the earth.' "'What giants?' said Sancho Panza." The sad thing is, GWB doesn't seem to have had even a Sancho Panza. As for D911D, I had it still unread on my shelf when this brouhaha erupted and am now well into it. I think it's required reading...right after DQ!

Posted by: Geoff Hagopian | February 10, 2008 7:52 PM

I think the next President should read Lester R. Brown's "Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization." In spite of all the political and religious reasons being given for the conflict which exists in the world, I think the bottom line is that each group's desire to survive, to have a enough of a share of the earth's resources to sustain a decent life, is what's driving the conflict. The real causes are: population pressure, loss of arable land on which to grow a food supply and the increasing scarcity of water. Lester R. Brown has devoted a large part of his life to understanding these problems. I would say that he is "The" expert in these matters. The next President needs to read and understand this book, and heed the warnings given.

Posted by: Michael Putos | February 10, 2008 7:25 PM

I think the next president should realize and remember that he can negotiate with members of the opposite party, with both "liberals" and "conservatives", with the French and other Europeans, with the govt of Iran, and even with the Taliban. He should take to the White House with him or her "Getting To Yes" and "Getting Past No" by William Ury, et al, which explain how to negotiate victory, even with terrorists.

Posted by: Daniel Brockman | February 10, 2008 6:56 PM

I agree with the person who suggested the collected works of Thomas Paine. In fact he or she could get by with just the cover of "Common Sense" as long as it was displayed in an obvious place and referred to on a daily basis. Common sense has been missing from the halls of our government for quite some time and could use a reawakening.

Posted by: Diana | February 10, 2008 6:19 PM

Perhaps one fine choice fitting of the question happens to be the book I'm currently reading - "Deep Time: How Humanity Communicates Across Millenia" by Gregory Benford. It occurs to me that the species as a whole and certainly the United States specifically spends far too little time thinking beyond a very narrow frame of time. I'd prefer that, as a culture and a species, we adopt a more long-range perspective and plan to guide our current thinking and actions as Mr. Benford suggests in this fine work and as we ought to have learned from certain Native American philosophies rather than focusing on their forced relocations. My two cents.

Posted by: Ricky Barnes | February 10, 2008 5:48 PM

There are many fine suggestions on the list already to which I could add many fine more, however, what I feel is the most important message to give to any future president - in light of the current one and his administration - is this : read much, read broadly and deeply, read often, learn from what you read and then learn more, apply what you learn with humility and respect and, leave your Bible or Koran or Talmud at home where it belongs.

Posted by: Ricky Barnes | February 10, 2008 5:31 PM

I recommend LOSING JONATHAN by Robert and Linda Waxler

Posted by: jeremy | February 10, 2008 4:44 PM

Sorry, I meant: you cannot show the..... AG

Posted by: Angela M. Gomez | February 10, 2008 2:22 PM

I can't believe it. No post I've read so far mentions one of the most important books in world history, one that is currently shaping our future whether we've read it or not. Hello? It's called The Quran. You may have heard of it.

Posted by: Heather A. | February 10, 2008 2:21 PM

Greeting Mr. Moyers, I'm sorry for any mistakes I make, English is my second language, and I learned it by ear. Please everybody, calm down, you are part of the problem too. Mr. Moyers is doing his best without causing a frantic situation. Just think in solutions. Yes, humans so far have been driven by greed. This is about to change, but in a diplomatic way. I'm USA cheerledear. Europe is being waiting to take over, they just seeing your country collapse. I refused to see this country fall, you guys deserve a fair chance to be our leaders. Use your brains together. Don't fight like cats and dogs. Think in solutions, who ever did what, you fix it later. Fix your economy, it can be done. You have PHD in everything, Nobel Prizes winners in everything let's gep up as a NATION I'll be your cheerleader. I don't have a job. Please I ask for respect to Mr. Moyers, he knows how to do it. You can just show the truth like that...it will create chaos. You guys need peace and brains to recover this GREAT NATION. Hope my humble opinon counts.

Posted by: Angela M. Gomez | February 10, 2008 1:50 PM

Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" may have been read by all the potential presidents, however, continued possesion and review would call to mind an important perspective for a president.

Posted by: P. Stephen Miller | February 10, 2008 1:49 PM

I recommend that all read- For the Sake of Peace Seven Paths to Gloal Harmony A Buddhist Perspective by Daisaku Ikeda (Middleway Press). Why? "We are charged with the task of achieving not just a passive peace--the absence of war--but of transforming those social structures that threaten human dignity in order to realize the positive, active values of peace. Efforts to enhance international cooperation and the faric of international law are, of cource necessary. But more vital are the creative efforts of individual to develop a culture of peace, because it is on this foundation that a new global society can be built." Choose Life A Dailogue by Arnold Toynbee & Daisaku Ikeda (Oxford University Press)is very compelling in the number of subjects covered and the specific suggestions which are discussed. Thank you for the opportunity to share.

Posted by: Cecilia Horde | February 10, 2008 1:27 PM

I recommend Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. While most of the other worthy titles refer to leadership and politics, this book is about our children, their connection( or lack there-of) to nature and how they will be able to take care of( or not) the planet when they are being drawn away from the reality of the natural world outside their doorstep and beyond. Our next president needs to bring youth into the planning and understanding of caring for our planet by being involved with nature locally initially and then globally.

Posted by: Beverly Johnston | February 10, 2008 1:24 PM

Fifth years ago, my history proffessor asked his students to write a 1200 word paper on the best or worst president in American history (george bush today). My father, being a well educated man was my immediate resource. When asked, dad replied,"Except for two things, Harry Truman was the best president." Dutifully, I wrote that down. "What were the two things wrong?" I asked.Dad replied, "He bombed the wrong two cities." "What two cities should he have bombed ?" I asked. "Hollywood, California and Washington,D.C." Some things neverchange and I reveived an A on my paper.

Posted by: Edward Blackman | February 10, 2008 12:51 PM

Dear Bill. Please know the deep sense of gratitude I feel for the nourishment and perspective and inspiration I have received through you these last several years. Yours is a brand of journalism sorely lacking in today’s entertainment-oriented commoditized, profit-driven media. I respect your integrity and values. There is an event coming on March 15, 2008 called Z-day. I refer you to it here because it relates to the hyper-sensitive issue of Debunking 9/11 Debunking. What is noteworthy about this event is it scope. It is organized entirely at the “grassroots level” yet is international in scope. Something definitely worth considering as a measure of the degree to which the “official” narrative concerning 9-11 is subject to increasing suspicion. More information concerning this event can be found at http://zeitgeistmovie.com/ I hope the next president will “read” this movie, it is online and it is free. As far as reading is concerned, I cast my vote for Al Gore’s The Assault On Reason. Les Miserables. Stephen Batchelor’s Living With The Devil and The Shock Doctrine. In gratitude,

Posted by: Floyd C. Willkes | February 10, 2008 12:13 PM

Shame on you sir, for intentionally dismissing David Ray Griffin's book. There was obviously a conspiracy and that was a conspiracy by you and your people against us to withhold the #1 mentioned book in your survey. Those numerous posts referencing the 9/11 TRUTH MOVEMENT were signed by many different people in many different cities. Shame on you to think you can stifle the discussion of 9/11. You asked what book we wanted our next President to read, then you ignored what we wrote. What's the point in asking?

Posted by: Joe Ruwe | February 10, 2008 2:44 AM

I think "The Education Of A Coach", by Steven Halberstam, would be an inspiration to any endeveor.It's a biography of coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots.

Posted by: Myrtle | February 10, 2008 2:36 AM

The collected works of Theador Geisel are the best mirror we can hold up to ourselves as a nation.

Posted by: Rev. Stigs | February 10, 2008 2:30 AM

As much as respect and admire Bill Moyers and appreciate the stories and interviews he helps put together, the elephant in the room is why he wont touch the 9-11 issue. I haven't read Griffin's latest book but I saw him speak a few years ago. I don't think he's doing what he's doing for any reason other than to resolve the questions of what happened on that day and people who refuse to consider the unanswered questions and offer satisfactory explanations should reconsider. Just start with building 7. If that wasn't a controlled demolition I don't know what is.

Posted by: Tim Nam | February 10, 2008 2:25 AM

Would not "Alice And Wonderland" be approiate?

Posted by: Myrtle Wilson | February 10, 2008 2:20 AM

Well, the results are in and it looks like David Ray Griffin's "Debunking 9/11 Debunking" did not make the grade -- even though it was recommended numerous times by several people posting under this blog. I guess the lesson here is simple: If you're lazy and silent about your views of the world, that's a good thing. Because having been passionate about promoting my book of choice through fair, organized and rigorous activism has only served to place it in some kind of Bill Moyers rogue’s gallery of blackballed books on truth. What a remarkably incomprehensive and undemocratic book selection process this has been.

Posted by: Eloy Gonzalez II | February 10, 2008 1:48 AM

I don't understand why we should recommend a book to a president. A future president should have read all the books, I mean, all the books. It is a little strange that we choose a president by how popular he/she is, and not buy how much he/she knows. A president should be like a symphony conductor, it takes years and years of studying before you can become a conductor. I have a good example of a good leader: Antanas Mockus –philosopher, mathematician and politician- twice major of Bogotá, everybody should read about the improvements that took place under Mockus’s leadership. Brains=Progress. AG

Posted by: Angela M. Gomez | February 10, 2008 1:29 AM

""Last night I heard your initial remarks about discarding a suggested book because of the concerted effort that was detected by you and your staff. I knew right away what you meant."" ---------------- Apparently you didn't because the book he was talking about was "The Art of Non-War by Kim Michaels" which was completely omitted until this list appeared today. Kim Michaels herself lead a concerted effort to get as many of her readers to post a response here and also sent Moyers a book and an explanation as to why so many people recommended such an obscure book. The website is called "Askrealjesus.com" This is what she says: "Do you want to help promote our books? If so, here is a free opportunity. On the American Public Television Website, host Bill Moyers is asking viewers to recommend the one book that the next president of the United States should take to the White House. If you feel so inclined, please recommend The Art of Non-war. Go to this page to post a recommendation (you have to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to post an entry.) Thank you, Kim"" This is clearly the "organized campaign...

Posted by: Jerry | February 10, 2008 12:24 AM

"Even though it was not the book I recommeneded, I am disappointed that Debunking 9/11 Debunking has been disqualified. His work is anything but cruel and destructive, and anyone who is actually familiar with it would know that" I agree. It is always easy for Griffin's detractors to post long-winded generalizations about "conspiricy theories". But it is much, much harder to actually engage the arguments and evidence presented by Griffin.

Posted by: Fred Scott | February 10, 2008 12:03 AM

Even though it was not the book I recommeneded, I am disappointed that Debunking 9/11 Debunking has been disqualified. His work is anything but cruel and destructive, and anyone who is actually familiar with it would know that. His work is well researched and well argued. This book and others by him deserve full consideration. Again, I will mention the book I originally recommended. The Road to 9/11 by Peter Dale Scott.

Posted by: beecham | February 9, 2008 11:25 PM

I just wanted to make a follow-up post, defending Bill Moyers's right to exercise his judgment, especially when faced with cruel and destructive works like Griffin's so-called Debunked. I might argue that Ayn Rand is equally discredited, but the point is, popular might does not make right, the problem with attempting anything thoughtful in mass media ("interactivity" notwithstanding), or in mass/pure democracy. In fact, I was not under the impression that this was supposed to be some exercise in "direct democracy" in the first place. I should expect Mr. Moyers, (or some other responsible party), to be perhaps even more active and critical in evaluating the offerings here. As with any exercise of judgment, there may be no completely wrong answers, but obviously, not all answers are equally good, (and faceless, placeless polls aren't likely to produce that ranking). Against conspiracy theories in general, they may be symptomatic of a complex world, a secretive government, a special religious mentality, or other aspects of public ignorance, but more importantly, they erode our ability to conduct sensible, open dialog. Conspiracy theorists question--for cultish, clique-ish reasons--commonsense accounts that render the world comprehensible and communicable. They prefer the illusory privilege of peering "behind the...

Posted by: M.K.Mori | February 9, 2008 10:15 PM

Mr. Moyers, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley should be another required read for the incoming president. For we all know with what ease images are flashed before us; state sponsored violence would not as easily come to pass as say state or private sponsored pleasure. Both seem to lead to a destruction of man's potential for greatness. Thank you.

Posted by: Mathias Kamin | February 9, 2008 9:14 PM

I recommend "Immigration's Unarmed Invasion" Frosty Wooldridge and Governor Richard D. Lamm's "Language: "One language, One tongue" and his October 2003 speech on his plan to destroy America.

Posted by: ultima | February 9, 2008 8:12 PM

Mr. Moyers, As one of the many individuals who recommended David Ray Griffin's book, I would like to apologise for those who chose to post abusive responses. However, you should not be surprised by the sense of outrage experienced by many here. As Pepe Sandoval rightly points out below, this is a matter of free speech, and it seems that you have acted unfairly. Pepe, You were correct to point out Mr. Moyers' unfairness. You were wrong, however, to suggest that Griffin should be disregarded simply because you find his thesis "shocking". He is a well respected scholar, and his work on 9/11 is endorsed by many intellectuals. Thank you.

Posted by: Fred Scott | February 9, 2008 7:57 PM

I've always enjoyed Bill Moyers. I was pleased to see the list of recommended reading for our next president. All were good choices, however I believe that it would benefit all individuals in powerful positions to revisit the truly 'classic' literary works, such as Leo Tolstoy's WAR AND PEACE. Also, the biographies of powerful leaders post Christ should be on a 'must read' list.

Posted by: Maizie James | February 9, 2008 7:23 PM

Mr. Moyers, I recently found at my library bookstore a cassette entitled "Bill Moyers Crisis of Democracy World of Ideas Anthology Vol 2." dated 1989 and bought it. After listening to each of the commentaries I was struck by the eerie relevence to world events as they are right now. The almost prophetic analyses of Wolin, Heller, Commager, Bok, Lukacs, Wolfe and Chomsky bear review. The next president elect should dust this one off and add to their political repertoire the books "The Israel Lobby" by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt - a work which should illicit our next national conversation - as well as "Londonistan" by Melanie Phillips. These two works of nonfiction in particular should be the bookends of understanding for which the next U.S. president places his or her foriegn policies in between. At this time, everything else is fluff. Rachael P.

Posted by: Rachael | February 9, 2008 7:02 PM

I would agree with others who have suggested Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine.

Posted by: C McGuire | February 9, 2008 6:40 PM

Last week when you first asked your viewers to suggest which book they would like our next president to take to the White House with him/her, as I heard your words I said to my wife: "The March of Folly". I consider it one of the best books I've ever read and I think it confirms with numerous examples throughout history what happens when we and our political leaders indulge in the "folly" of continuing to pursue policies that are against our best interest and in spite of all advise and evidence to the contrary. Instead of sending you my suggestion right away I waited until the next day. By the time I went to your blog countless mentions of Debunking 911 Debunking had been made. As I read some of the accompanying comments, I confess I was shocked. I couldn't believe (I don't know why) that so many people could seriously believe such conspiratorial allegations. Last night I heard your initial remarks about discarding a suggested book because of the concerted effort that was detected by you and your staff. I knew right away what you meant. While I agree that Debunking 9/11 Debunking is a choice that should...

Posted by: Pepe Sandoval | February 9, 2008 6:36 PM

A book called LOSING JONATHAN should be read carefully by the next President. It is a moving story about parents struggling with their oldest son's heroin addiction. That young man was my brother. The book not only demonstrates how addiction is always a family matter in some important ways, but also can inspire all of us as it shows how a family joins together to make the best of a devastating experience. In the end, the President would understand that this could happen to anyone.

Posted by: jeremy | February 9, 2008 5:42 PM

I Believe that Politicians, no matter what they might read will remain (POLITICIANS) now and forever. I could recommend a number of books, but why? When I and all of you know they will ruin our lives and that of others around the world despite reading these books. I believe that an Honest individual has no place in the white house. Do you really think by giving the future president of this country a book or two might stop them and the lobbyists around them from conducting their evil deeds? I Need to remind all of you that those days are gone my friends. "There might be honor among thieves but there is none among politicians" Three statements about the U.S.A we need to know, well Orwell best said it in his "1984" War Is peace Freedom is Slavery Ignorance is Strength So I hope that the rest of humanity should do the reading and make changes, because we can't rely on the next U.S president whomever he or she might be Good Luck Bill Moyers, I have great respect for you

Posted by: Shenah Abdullah | February 9, 2008 5:09 PM

I Believe that Politicians, no matter what they might read will remain (POLITICIANS) now and forever. I could recommend a number of books, but why? When I and all of you know they will ruin our lives and that of others around the world despite reading these books. I believe that an Honest individual has no place in the white house. Do you really think by giving the future president of this country a book or two might stop them and the lobbyists around them from conducting their evil deeds? I Need to remind all of you that those days are gone my friends. "There might be honor among thieves but there is none among politicians" Three statements about the U.S.A we need to know, well Orwell best said it in his "1984" War Is peace Freedom is Slavery Ignorance is Strength So I hope that the rest of humanity should do the reading and make changes, because we can't rely on the next U.S president whomever he or she might be Good Luck Bill Moyers, I have great respect for you

Posted by: Shenah Abdullah | February 9, 2008 5:07 PM

Hi all, I think that our next President (and leaders and Congress) should read Amish Grace. In today's world, I can't think of a more telling book...one that forces us to address our own fears, needs, and failures. Cindy

Posted by: CC | February 9, 2008 5:00 PM

I'd like to recommend, John Rawls, "The Law of Peoples," for thoughtful philosophies underscoring our need to fight for and maintain separation between church and state, along with correct guidance on when and with whom to go to war.

Posted by: Lauren Jackson | February 9, 2008 4:53 PM

the collected writeings of Thomas Paine

Posted by: bob leas | February 9, 2008 4:32 PM

Bill, All the posting before 2/8 have apparently been pulled, but it seemed to me that "The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy" by Mearsheimer and Walt was posted a lot more times than some of those you show as "current top titles." Was this book disqualified too?

Posted by: W.Stevens | February 9, 2008 3:36 PM

While there are many, many authors that would be relevant for the next presidency, such as John Keynes, Naomi Wolf, Howard Zinn and so on. I believe the most important book for the next president would have to be Naomi Klein's the shock doctrine, as it encapsulates many aspects of the imperialst aspirations of the United states government. Peter, Toronto, ON

Posted by: Peter K | February 9, 2008 3:26 PM

Bill Moyers is sending a message with the books he has disqualified and excluded: Plan B 3.0 by Lester Brown, Debunking 9/11 Debunking by David Ray Griffin. He is telling us he doesn't have the PULL to address these issues and that his position is tenuous.(Read between the lines like a Russian! Notice his eyes and hands?) It is now our responsibility to demand in a forceful and demonstrative way that these issues (false flag provocations; profiteering in our jeopardized food, water and climate; imposition of faschist perogatives in place of representative government)be addressed in public media immediately. Forget the silly stuporbowl election for a minute. This exceeds the importance of the game between the two wings of the Money Party. (If we thought these remaining contenders were really honest and informed, would we have recommended the books we have?) Can't you see why Moyers can't do it himself? (He's a hostage.) So if you have ideas about demonstrations, boycotts, confrontations or other actions get them on the blog and the rest of us will try to respond. (beretco.op@gmail.com to confer) Moyers is not our enemy: He is a semi-retired journalist (reports but does not make the news) who is...

Posted by: Grady Lee Howard | February 9, 2008 2:18 PM

Mr. Moyers, Regarding the suppression of David Ray Griffin books: Once an unctious flack, always an unctious flack, right? You bear some responsibility for the Vietnam War and its may crimes, and now you appear to be just updating your resume.

Posted by: Guy Ham | February 9, 2008 2:01 PM

I was slack-jawed at how easily you dismissed the voices of all of us who wrote to suggest David Ray Griffin's book - making it sound as if it were some kind of conspiracy or a computer generated attack. I read many of the posts and one thing was clear - they were all sent from individuals, each expressing his or her own reason for choosing this book. There were also suggestions for many other significant books on the many contradictions and questions surrounding the events of 9/11. How do the voices of all these informed, concerned Americans not merit inclusion? I have always respected you as a journalist who was willing to speak the truth and to look behind the curtain to expose the many excesses of the current administration. The fact that you feel compelled to ignore the most serious issue of all - the need for a new, independent investigation into 9/11 - speaks volumes. I can only assume that you have been bought - or sufficient threats have been made against you that you have caved under the pressur. In any case, you are, now, just another example of the media control we "enjoy" in our...

Posted by: Steve D | February 9, 2008 1:59 PM

A dark thread running through the recommendations on this blog is the deep concern of many for a credible, thorough investigation of the true facts of 9/11– even apart from the book apparently “disqualified,” David Ray Griffin’s “Debunking 9/11 Debunking.”. Last night’s airing of selected book recommendations did not include any that addressed this most pressing public concern. Mr. Moyers’ own pick, “Command of Office,” addresses what has been called the growth of the “imperial Presidency,” but still avoids what many believe to be the most crucial issue. If published analysis, a bookful of history, eloquent debate, unimpeachable logic, and mass demonstrations could reverse this country’s disastrous course into what is arguably fascism, the war in Vietnam– which has striking similarities to our current wars-- would never have happened. Back then, we had the most eloquent, passionate, tireless public speeches in Congress by Sen. Wayne Morse; we had enormous public controversy; we had mass demonstrations against the war by fools like me. The forces that be were unimpressed, because these did not hit the mark, so to speak. As sufficient justification for the war, they had the Gulf of Tonkin incident, a “false flag” attack on ourselves misrepresented as an...

Posted by: Kathryn W. Kelber | February 9, 2008 1:27 PM

Ayn Rand & Dr. Seuss. But not David Ray Griffin. I've followed your career with interest since your LBJ days and wish it weren't necessary to say this. I've lost my regard for you, Mr. Moyers. And I'm betting you lack the courage to defend your choice. Jeff Leon Mill Spring, N.C.

Posted by: Jeff Leon | February 9, 2008 1:21 PM

Mr. Moyers, I'm not going to speculate on the reason why Dr. Griffin's books were completely ignored from the list. However, if you are truly interested in the relation between faith, politics and culture, I would urge you to consider Griffin, simply because he is a leading thinker in the progressive religious movement.Coincidentally, Griffin's books on 9/11 have been endorsed by major theologians and religious thinkers, including John Cobb, Harvey Cox, Carter Heyward, Catherine Keller, Rosemary Ruther, Joseph Hough, and th late William Sloane Coffin. Thank you.

Posted by: Fred Scott | February 9, 2008 1:16 PM

Bill, how about an in depth commentary about why you rejected Debunking 911 Debunking by Dr. David Ray Griffin? You stated that you rejected a book because of an organized effort, but I never read any posts that alluded `I pick D911D because my organization said to'. No, all the posts had valid reasons for suggesting it. so I assume it was not that book. Please explain your reasoning. Maybe you didn't have your glasses on while reading the posts and missed the ones supporting D911D. Although I am a Christian and do not advocate violence, I can forsee a revolution soon in this country in which media celebrities like yourself who blatantly aid in the coverup of 9/11 are hung. And that is only the 1st death. Greg Kramer Cincinnati, Ohio

Posted by: Greg Kramer | February 9, 2008 12:43 PM

You go Bill Moyers. And the candidate who goes to the White House will be the type who actually reads your list: Obama. The more people get to know Obama, the more they like him. The polls continue to reflect that America wants a real change, and a leader who can inspire us and bring us together to do it. Identity politics is proving not to be as powerful as the desire of Americans to move forward. White, black, women, men want to come together. http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/9/0719/10743/479/453121 by SusanG Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 10:28:46 AM EST Two Survey USA polls were released yesterday for February 12 primary states, with good news for Obama. Virginia. 2/7-8. 588 Likely Voters. MoE 4.1%. No trend lines. Obama: 59 Clinton: 39 Undecided: 1 In Virginia, Clinton leads in seniors, Obama in voters under age 65. The two candidates are tied for white voters; Obama leads 7:1 among black voters. He also leads among both men and women. Maryland. 2/7-8. 737 Likely Voters. MoE 3.7%. No trend lines. Obama: 52 Clinton: 33 Undecided: 7 Uncommitted: 6 In Maryland, the two candidates split white voters, with Obama leading 4:1 among blacks. Clinton leads among seniors by...

Posted by: Duck Soup | February 9, 2008 11:30 AM

Well I was going to give you a piece of my mind Mr. Moyers for fabricating such a blatant lie in order to CYA for not mentioning a book that was easily in the top 3 if not #1 on what real people, patriotic citizens wanted you to mention. But the eloquent response a few post down from mine by "Cathie Bell" is absolutely dead on and was exactly what I wanted to write so I will just say "Ditto" to her well spoken post. We are allegedly an "organized campaign" Bill? Now why exactly would you have the unmitigated gall to come out and call everyone that mentioned that book an organized campaign? Did all the people that mentioned "The Shock Doctrine" get accused of such a thing? NO! Now that I think about it what about all the people that listed "The Art of Non-War" that had to clearly be in the top 5 at least. I know nothing about that book never read it...(OK wait a minute here, I just now googled this book and guess what I found? Kim Michaels herself on a website called "Ask the real Jesus" is actually coming out an asking readers...

Posted by: Jerry Wintraub | February 9, 2008 10:42 AM

I recommend that the next president read and contemplate the Tao te Ching, a book of great wisdom attributed to Lao Tzu. Here is a quote from Stephen Mitchell's translation: "Do you want to improve the world/ I don’t think it can be done. The world is sacred. It can’t be improved. If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it. There is a time for being ahead, A time for being behind; A time for being in motion, A time for being at rest; A time for being vigorous, A tune fir being safe, A time for being in danger."

Posted by: B Crawford | February 9, 2008 10:22 AM

Bill, I assume, considering all the entries for Debunking 9/11 Debunking, and it never received the pick or even mention, that it was the book you disqualified. You are a coward and I don't know how your wife can sleep with you. I'm proud to have a man for a husband instead of an `actor' like you.

Posted by: Melissa Kramer | February 9, 2008 10:07 AM

The "One" book that I would recommend is "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, Translated by Edith Grossman. It is Carlos Fuentes wrote in November, 2003 for The New York Times: "The Errant Knight Rides Again:" "... For to read "Don Quixote," in an increasing Manichean world of simplistic Good versus Evil and inquisitorial dogmas, becomes one of the healthiest experiences a modern, democratic citizen can undertake."

Posted by: Michael Evans-Smith | February 9, 2008 10:04 AM

The ONE book I would recommend is "Deep Economy" by Bill McKibben. McKibben argues that our hyper individualistic growth economy built on cheap oil and abundant water is now reaping diminishing returns. He proposes a "deep economy" that is more humane and localized. This book is packed with information yet is easy to read and understand. McKibben is an excellent and engaging writer, insightful and visionary.

Posted by: Ann Rosenthal | February 9, 2008 9:14 AM

It couldn’t possibly be that so very many American citizens are appalled that the official 9/11 story is so full of holes that they would take the opportunity to suggest the next president read a book that would hold criminals in high places accountable! Oh no, it has to be a conspiracy—an organized attempt to what—shed some light on an issue that has caused the death of 7,000 Americans (including US soldiers), 1,000,000+ Iraqis and we-don’t-count-casualties in Afghanistan? I have been extremely concerned about how dissent has been marginalized and made irrelevant in an emerging new world order, how voices seeking truth and wisdom have been silenced through censorship under cover of state secrets or—“an organized campaign behind a certain book” that disqualified the airing of David Ray Griffin’s important work. The role of the ‘left’ media, or the controlled opposition is essential to maintaining an elite and dangerous power structure by appearing to relentlessly pursue the truth and appearing to expose the horrific genocidal policies of a rogue state. Ministers of propaganda present a false ideological identification with discontented masses while in actuality they are the agents of the final solution—a new world order of enslaved, mind-controlled subjects. 9/11...

Posted by: Cathie Bell | February 9, 2008 5:01 AM

A History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani . Having had a number of friends from Arab countries in college, I've sadly come to realize how ignorant most Americans - including those in high government office - are of the Middle East.

Posted by: Bonnie Kalmbach | February 9, 2008 4:48 AM

So sad that you diqualified my book, Debunking 911 debunking. I think the next president should know which people in the government, military, and FAA should not be trusted. All I want is an independent investigation of the events of 911 just like the millions of people around the world who don't want to be lied to. Thanks for all you do Bill, but please open your mind to the evidence.

Posted by: Michael Sevillia | February 9, 2008 3:28 AM

I think all CANDIDATES should be required to read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and follow it's instructions for a year before running. Maybe by the time they are elected they will have learned winning friends is the reason for influencing people. A little Wayne Dyer might help also.

Posted by: damon ward | February 9, 2008 3:16 AM

I too would like a printable list of these books as it provides a diversified resource toward personal education on an exceptionally important topic from many viewpoints. Thanks Bill

Posted by: Tammy | February 9, 2008 3:11 AM

"The Rich and the Super-Rich' by Ferdinand Lundberg, to remind the politicians of who they work for.

Posted by: republicanSScareme | February 9, 2008 2:37 AM

I admit I was one of the hundreds who suggested Dr David Ray Griffin's book. I was amazed that one of the first posters tonight had the nerve to say he read that book over the week, thought it was bunk and only now shared his suggestion for a book? I suggest he just googled it, read the cover and put his blinders back on like most of the sheeple in this nation. The 19 Muslim Conspiracy Theory is the most foolish lie ever told. Just watch the Towers go down and remember gravity excerts it's force downward, not outward. They look like mushroom clouds, not pancakes going down. Explosives, not gravity, pulverized millions of tons of industrial strength concrete and blanketed NYC with 3 inches of dust. I sincerely believe the next president should read at least one of Dr Griffin's books before taking office. And Mr. Bill Moyers, you are still my hero. Sincerely, Jack Heginbotham Jr Miamisburg, Ohio

Posted by: Jack Heginbotham | February 9, 2008 2:22 AM

"THE SHOCK DOCTRINE: The rise of Disaster Capitalism" by Naomi Klein is on my list to read after I heard her speak on "Democracy Now," She was stunningly cerebral. Another very good choice is "The Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinn

Posted by: M. Delphia Block | February 9, 2008 1:44 AM

I recommend 911 Synthetic Terrorism: Made in the USA (3rd edition) by Webster G. Tarpley. This book may contain redundant information for anyone with the connections to make it into the Whitehouse. However, just in case, this book might just save your very life and the lives of millions.

Posted by: Greg Raklor | February 9, 2008 1:34 AM

I would recommend to the next president THE PARTY'S OVER: OIL, WAR AND THE FATE OF INDUSTRIAL SOCIETIES by Richard Heinberg. also: BEYOND OIL: THE VIEW FROM HUBBERT'S PEAK by Kenneth S. Deffeyes. I would hope he or she might also have already read my own OVERSHOOT: THE ECOLOGICAL BASIS OF REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE.

Posted by: William R. Catton, Jr. | February 9, 2008 1:30 AM

I recommend 911 Synthetic Terrorism: Made in the USA (3rd edition) by Webster G. Tarpley. This may be redundant information for anyone with the connections to make it into the Whitehouse. However, just in case, this book might just save your very life and the lives of millions.

Posted by: Greg Raklor | February 9, 2008 1:30 AM

Howard Zinn's People's History would be my first suggestion, but if the new president can't handle the length, I'd recommend THE PEOPLE SPEAK, a book with the words of dissidents and remarkable people who had the courage to speak up against vested political and economic interests. I hear a film with the same name is coming out in the fall. If the new president doesn't have time to sit and read the book, s/he could watch the film, THE PEOPLE SPEAK when it's out.

Posted by: B. J. Bullert | February 9, 2008 1:28 AM

1. Seeing the number of entries suggesting "Debunking 9/11 Debunking" I wondered what this book is, so I borrowed it from my local library. I found out it is ABSOLUTE BUNK. I am glad you disqualified it from your recommended list. 2. I believe the best book the nest president could take to the White House would be the "Federalist Papers." It gives a clear indication of the "original intent" of our Founding Fathers. It might help to restore the balance among three equal branches (although that depends on Congress actually standing up for it's powers and prerogatives) as intended by the drafters of the Constitution. It would also show a clear path away from the last, clearly unenlightened, last eight years.

Posted by: Charles Blanchard | February 9, 2008 1:22 AM

I hope any qualified President would have read the political and historical literature widely and deeply already. Out of compassion for her (or his) sanity, I would suggest some light reading: P.G. Wodehouse, Alexander McCall Smith, Robert Parker, Jane Austen, Voltaire, Swift, Jerome K. Jerome... if our president absolutely felt compelled to brush up on history, I'd stick with Tom Paine.I did like Hillary's suggestion of the Federalist Papers and the US Constitution...

Posted by: Stephanie Freeman | February 9, 2008 1:18 AM

I hope any qualified President would have read the political and historical literature widely and deeply already. Out of compassion for her (or his) sanity, I would suggest some light reading: P.G. Wodehouse, Alexander McCall Smith, Robert Parker, Jane Austen, Voltaire, Swift, Jerome K. Jerome... if our president absolutely felt compelled to brush up on history, I'd stick with Tom Paine.I did like Hillary's suggestion of the Federalist Papers and the US Constitution...

Posted by: Stephanie Freeman | February 9, 2008 1:16 AM

The next president should read Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder.

Posted by: Mary Wilson | February 9, 2008 1:00 AM

I would again like to recommend the just published: 'Seven Deadly Threats To America' The fact that I wrote it does not make it less important for the next President to read. Rather, each of the seven threats, unchecked, can bring us loss unrecoverable. Taken together, the merely additive demand on our resources approaches a point of no return -- with the result that we may be, at the end of the next president's first term, no longer the masters of our fate. The book makes explicit the reasons why so many have a pervasive anxiety about the course our nation is on. It is respectful of the words of Job: "That which I greatly feared has come to pass." And so the book does not describe America's collapse, but the actions needed to avoid it -- the substantive issues that have scarcely seen the light of day so far in the 2008 Campaign. It provides solutions in order that the kind of fear that overwhelmed Job will, in America, be dominated instead by the power of actions -- that overcome even the greatest of threats.

Posted by: Dr Curt Schmidt | February 9, 2008 12:58 AM

Thank you for not revealing the name of the disqualified book. Please ... a printable list.

Posted by: Shan | February 9, 2008 12:33 AM

I deeply resent having my choice disqualified for such an arbitrary reason. I am an individual and my choice was Debunking 9/11 Debunking. Somehow, that doesn't count. Had this been a book on almost any other topic, I have no doubt it would not have been disqualified. People will not forget this betrayal, Mr. Moyers. I know I won't.

Posted by: Cheryl T | February 9, 2008 12:32 AM

The book you featured by Joseph Campbell,"The Power of Myth" is another must-read for the next president. Add mine to the requests to publish the final list of recommended books for the next president. Very thought provoking. I am so grateful for your show. It is very satisfying to be able to hear intelligent discussion of abstract ideas without the participants interrupting or disparaging one another. America deserves much better journalism than it is getting these days. Thanks for upholding the standards! Hang in there, Bill! Nancy Jones

Posted by: Nancy Jones | February 9, 2008 12:15 AM

We will never forget how people like you ignored us when we honestly supported The great American Ron Paul. I suggested A Foreign Policy of Freedom on my own, just as anyone else suggested a book and you have rejected me. SHAME!

Posted by: ted smith | February 9, 2008 12:08 AM

Will you post the books mentioned in "Bill Moyer's Journal" 2/8/08 8pm PST as list that can be printed?

Posted by: Felyce Thomas | February 9, 2008 12:06 AM

I agree with Ivan Dixon who previously posted "I would like to see a printable a list of the submissions for future reference." Really. And ditto to the commentator who suggested Les Miserables.

Posted by: Vincent Majestic | February 9, 2008 12:06 AM

Please ... A printable list.

Posted by: Harvey DeGering | February 8, 2008 11:59 PM

Yes, I think we would like to see the top 20 or so.

Posted by: elsie | February 8, 2008 11:58 PM

Yes, I think we would like to see the top 20 or so.

Posted by: elsie | February 8, 2008 11:58 PM

I think the next president should read Al Gore's "The Assault on Reason." Gore is an absolute visionary who has been discredited by the commercial Media and other political foes. He thinks deeply about the problems we face in the 21st century.

Posted by: Pat Chiipman | February 8, 2008 11:57 PM

I understand that George W Bush brought two books to the white house he has almost finished coloring one of them. The book I would like all future presidents to bring to the White House and to read and practice is The seven habits of highly Effective People.

Posted by: Bob Wold | February 8, 2008 11:55 PM

So many books; so little time. I should have put this in before. And I can't find any list -- but my strong recommendation is for "Collapse: How Societies Choose To Fail or Succeed" by Jared Diamond. This is an extremely powerful book that demonstrates that the leaders make a profound difference in the survival of a civilization. Now, all civilizations are at risk. This is at once a profoundly depressing and profoundly optimistic. I have to believe others have mentioned this book.

Posted by: Sam d | February 8, 2008 11:47 PM

"Debunking 9/11 Debunking" How far are you going to take this scharade of Democracy? Do you really want to be alive in a prison planet where your viewers are to scared to ask for what they really want their next president to read? Do you know what became of Herman Gearing (nazi progaganda minister)and how ashamed his family was at his exacution? Complicity is guilt. Silence is death. This is your wake-up call, wake-up or sleep for all eternity in the place reserved for cowards, murderers, liers, whormongers, adulturors and blasphemers. Did I mention cowards? Look at the last part of revolations, cowards are right in there as those deserving eternal punishment. Not that I wish it on you, I Love you, I just think you should know what your getting into. In Truth, PG Bruce

Posted by: Peace General Bruce T Duncanson | February 8, 2008 11:43 PM

Books for the President: The Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinn The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein

Posted by: Ivan Dixon | February 8, 2008 11:42 PM

I would like to see a printable a list of the submissions for future reference.

Posted by: Bob Bass | February 8, 2008 11:34 PM

Books for the next President: The Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinn The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein

Posted by: Ivan Dixon | February 8, 2008 11:33 PM

As the saying implies those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it. I would strongly suggest "Power, Faith and Fantasy" by Michael Oren. It brings together the history of the MiddleEast in a way that makes us aware of how little we have respected other cultures foreign to our own.

Posted by: Verner Eglit | February 8, 2008 11:30 PM

I would not recommend any book to the president in the White House. If he deserves to be president, then he knows what he had to read, and what he should read! Books are like friends, they tell the world what and who you are. This being said, I would hope that she or he will ave already read most of the great philosophers: John Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Pierre Boyles, Blaise Pascal, Thomas Jefferson writings, Edwards Gibbons (The fall and decline of the Roman Empire). But I also would wish a president who enjoy many of the aspects of a simple life: philosophy, cooking, smelling, graphic arts, music, hand much more! The last thing that I want in the White House is an MBA, and or a bigot, who cannot or is not willing to read, learn and even enjoy. I certainly would recommend for pleasure "Suite Francaise" written by Irene Nemirosky, "The instrumentality of mankind" by Cordwainer Smith, and many of the Steinbeck novels, "Of mice and men" on top of the list. The list would be very long... and I can only only wish that the Koran, the book of the Mormons, the Russians novelist... etc... Reading the...

Posted by: Andre Gompel | February 8, 2008 11:29 PM

Book next President should take to WH: Beyond Bullsh*t: Straight-Talk at Work. See website:

Posted by: Sam Culbert | February 8, 2008 11:10 PM

Perhaps a week late. Book nxt President should take to the White House: Beyond Bullsh*t: Straight-Talk at Work. See website Check it out!

Posted by: Samuel Culbert | February 8, 2008 11:08 PM

I recommend the s/he take Les Miserables. Bill, where is the complete list?

Posted by: Sarit Shmulevitz | February 8, 2008 11:04 PM

Where's the complete list? Also, which one was disqualified?

Posted by: Jim | February 8, 2008 11:00 PM

How about publishing a complete list of the books that a president could take to the White House. It looks like a good list of books. What was the book that you eliminated? Let me make my own decision.My choice remains The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers by Paul Kennedy. ( Not by organized campaign either!) Why should you decide what is better for the rest of us poor illiterates? Roy Stern

Posted by: Roy Stern | February 8, 2008 10:55 PM

I recommend that the next president read and contemplate the Tao te Ching, a book of great wisdom attributed to Lao Tzu. Here is a quote from Stephen Mitchell's translation: "Do you want to improve the world/ I don’t think it can be done. The world is sacred. It can’t be improved. If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it. There is a time for being ahead, A time for being behind; A time for being in motion, A time for being at rest; A time for being vigorous, A tune fir being safe, A time for being in danger.

Posted by: Bevalyn Crawford | February 8, 2008 10:52 PM

I think the recommendations, for the most part, are all good, and have added some of them on my own reading list. I would also hope that whatever president we get next will be bright enough to read, and read often. I do have something to say about the second to last recommendation you mentioned in the video -Huntington's 'clash of civilizations', which I think would take us on a one way ticket to self-destruction. It is nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophecy, and one that is grossly mis-informed. This makes me think of another book that I would recommend (I at first thought of Vonnegut's books, especially his last, A Man Without A Country). The book I would suggest the president read is Amartya Sen's book, Identity and Violence -a book that would allow the president to connect with the world, rather than see the US independent of the global community in which we live. Another thing- thank you for bringing worthy shows on TV.

Posted by: Sarah | February 8, 2008 10:49 PM

I think the recommendations, for the most part, are all good, and have added some of them on my own reading list. I would also hope that whatever president we get next will be bright enough to read, and read often. I do have something to say about the second to last recommendation you mentioned in the video -Huntington's 'clash of civilizations', which I think would take us on a one way ticket to self-destruction. It is nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophecy, and one that is grossly mis-informed. This makes me think of another book that I would recommend (I at first thought of Vonnegut's books, especially his last, A Man Without A Country). The book I would suggest the president read is Amartya Sen's book, Identity and Violence -a book that would allow the president to connect with the world, rather than see the US independent of the global community in which we live. Another thing- thank you for bringing worthy shows on TV.

Posted by: Sarah | February 8, 2008 10:47 PM

Bill, Could that "organized campaign behind a certain book and we disqualified it as a result" be "Debunking 9/11 Debunking" by theologian David Ray Griffin??? We wouldn't want to advertise anything as controversial as some criminal faction of our own government being behind the 9/11 attacks now would we? No. Of course not. That would take an incredible amount of courage and integrity on your part. It's obvious that although your viewers desperately tried to get you to mention the best book discrediting the 9/11 Commission Report, the NIST Report and all of the fabricated lies put forth by our own government, you choose to CYA from any criticism and ignore this information because the majority of people who responded to your book recommendation challenge want the TRUTH BEHIND 9/11. I'm sure the 2,973 victims of 9/11 are very proud of you right now. And then of course there's the hundreds of thousands killed in Iraq and those killed in Afghanstan and... I once had a tremendous amount of respective for you Mr. Moyers. No more! Karl Pavloff Cincinnati, Ohio

Posted by: Karl Pavloff | February 8, 2008 10:38 PM

Read Free Lunch by David Cay Johnston speaks to the special interests through lobbyist and government subsidies that are undercutting our security and position in the world for profit and greed of our politicians and corporate elite.

Posted by: nathan hacker | February 8, 2008 10:37 PM

"Wealth and Democracy" by Kevin Phillips. I recommend this book to the next president as a way to enlighten him/her to the social and political dangers of American plutocracy and its relationship to our democratic government.

Posted by: A. Gaffey | February 8, 2008 10:25 PM

When the time for public recommendations for the book the next president should read has expired, would you please provide a tally of the top 50? Many of us who made recommendations would like to know the outcome. Thanks. Jack Schmidt

Posted by: Jack Schmidt | February 8, 2008 10:18 PM

If "Rise and Fall of Great Powers' is the book you eliminated because you thought that was part of an organized campaign, let me assure you that I recommeneded it without even mentioning it to anyone. In any case, I think that a U.S. President should really study the thesis of Paul Kennedy's book. I think it is already happening to the country. Even Kissinger privately admits that America is on the decline. There may be other reasons for the decline apart from military commitments, such as moral decline, emphasis on money-making to the exclusion of everything else, even sheer loss of the will to strive. But, too much of military expenditure is definitely one of the causes of American decline. As I mentioned in my last email, leaders of Al Qaida and other terrorists groups have studied the book and are waiting out for the inevitable fall of the United States. I hope at least now you are convinced that I am not part of any organized campaign for this book.

Posted by: Augustine Papali | February 8, 2008 10:14 PM

Against Leviathan, by Robert Higgs What is fundamentally wrong with government today? In Against Leviathan, economist and historian, Robert Higgs, offers an unflinching critical analysis of government power in all its aspects: welfare, warfare, regulation, spying, and its imposition on personal liberties. Against Leviathan combines an economist's analytical scrutiny, an historian's respect for the facts, and a refusal to accept the standard excuses and cruelties of government officialdom. Topics include Social Security, the paternalism of the FDA, the "War on Drugs", the nature of political leadership, civil liberties, the conduct of the national surveillance state, and governmental responses to a continuing stream of "crises," including domestic economic busts and foreign wars both hot and cold.

Posted by: Neal Fitzgerald | February 8, 2008 10:07 PM

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