Louder Than Bombs: Interviews from the Progressive Magazine

Media activist David Barsamian, dubbed the "Studs Terkel of our generation" by Howard Zinn, has been broadcasting voices of dissent from around the world for over a quarter of a century. Barsamian’s radical weekly radio program, "Alternative Radio" (or simply "AR" to his fans), has been a north star in the mass media wilder-ness for people across the country since 1986. Ralph Nader calls it "a ray of light in the media darkness, featuring voices of proposals to strengthen our democracy."

Barsamian’s latest volume brings together over 20 interviews culled from The Progressive magazine. Here, he talks with luminaries of the left—activists, academics and progressive celebrities—about their areas of expertise, their hopes for the future and the biggest obstacles facing movements for radical change. With his well-informed questions and engaging manner, Barsamian encourages his subjects to reflect on their lives and the world. In turn, they open their hearts and minds to him, offering nuggets of both personal and political insight. Barsamian invites readers to listen in as he converses with some of the best minds of our time, and skillfully weaves their analyses and wisdom into a digest of the world’s most pressing issues. The lively and accessible conversations highlight the urgency of globalizing dissent, and remind readers of the power of dialog to inform and inspire.

While the people interviewed for this book are a diverse group, they share a common understanding that political change must be fundamental, not cosmetic. All of these thinkers have dedicated their lives to organizing for progressive change. None has lost faith in the capacity of working and poor people to change society, even in the face of the rapidly expanding corporatization of the world. Perhaps this is the book’s most inspiring message; there’s still reason enough to hope.