Progressives, populists and independents can learn so much about the many factors behind the 2004 elections in this powerful and effective tool for understanding, activism and change. Start Making Sense is a collection of essays written by some of the nation’s boldest and brightest minds, all progressive thinkers who desire nothing more than moving this country forward and making it a better place for all its citizens.

This field guide to activism, organizing, communicating and creating progressive infrastructure offers up the wise, passionate and empowering advice of such notables as Howard Dean, Senator Barak Obama, union president Andy Stern, writer Naomi Klein, Arianna Huffington, George Lakoff, journalist Amy Goodman, writers Thomas Frank and Barbara Ehrenreich, Tom Hayden, and many others. These progressive voices dissect the failures of the past elections, and offer hope and tools for winning future elections that can be implemented by organizations, clubs and ordinary citizens alike.

Chapters focus on understanding the past election, understanding the Iraq invasion and its implications on the nation and on election trends, getting a grip on the culture war and the right wing assault on America, the role of faith in politics, examining necessary changes to the Democratic party, the Conservative money machine, and finally, what can be done to improve the chances of success for progressive politics in the coming years. In fact, the final section of this truly eye-opening book is devoted to taking action and is filled with great ideas and resources. There are also ideas for working with the media, holding “house parties” to help educate friends and neighbors, how to work for election reform, and how to buy products and services that support progressive ideals and causes.

The book has an accompanying website, www.StartMakingSense.org, where readers can get even more information about progressive politics and action steps they can take. Published by the very progressive Chelsea Green in conjunction with the popular progressive website AlterNet, Start Making Sense offers fresh perspectives from today’s best minds on how the over half of the nation that considers themselves Democrats, liberals, populists, progressives and independents can take back the country and move it forward for the good of all.