Four Holiday Gift Ideas for Progressives

If you're a procrastinator like me, then you are frantically scurrying at the last minute to pick up holiday gifts for friends and family. So let me suggest four great gifts for you or any progressives you know - gifts that make great presents and that also help build and support the progressive movement. Here they are in no particular order:

1. A SUBSCRIPTION TO IN THESE TIMES [1]: For more than three decades, In These Times magazine has been a leading independent progressive voice, featuring news, reporting and analysis from a constellation of progressive movement stars. As Cornel West says, "In These Times is the most creative and challenging news magazine of the American Left." A one year subscription to this monthly magazine is just $24.95. Subscribe here [1].

2. THE UPRISING OR HOSTILE TAKEOVER [2]: Forgive the shameless self-promotion, but I wouldn't be doing my job as a writer if I didn't suggest my books, The Uprising [2] and Hostile Takeover [3], as solid holiday gifts. The Uprising, just released this summer, looks at the populist uprising on both the right and left that clearly impacted the 2008 campaign and promises to shape our politics in the next months and years. The Rocky Mountain News calls it "the perfect tome for rebels of all persuasions." Hostile Takeover, released in 2006, examines the corporate forces that still have a stranglehold on our government and that threaten to crush this potential era of change. The late great Molly Ivins says the book provides "handy weapons for progressives to fight back." You can order both books at your local bookstore, or online [2].

3. THE PROGRESSIVE BOOK CLUB [4]: For an ongoing stream of progressive books at discounted prices, join the new Progressive Book Club, or give a gift membership. You can join online here [4].

4. SALON.COM PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP [5]: Salon is one of the best progressive publications out there and it's premium membership gets you its full content. Get a premium membership here [5]. It's worth it.

In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to build and support a strong progressive movement that helps move our country in a different direction. These are four different ways to give gifts and support the movement at the same time. I hope you'll consider them - and pass the ideas on to your friends. Happy holidays!