Science Fiction for the Presidential Candidates

Barack Obama likes to claim that he grew up watching Star Trek as a way to sugar coat the fact that he wants to slash spending on space exploration. Clearly the idea of "exploring strange new worlds" didn't take.

This leads one to ask: What science fiction should the candidates have read? That is to say, which works of the genre would prepare either Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, or John McCain to lead?

Here's a (partial) reading list:

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein - The novel, published in 1966, concerns a revolt of a lunar colony against a corrupt Earth government. There are lots of fascinating plot elements about "rational anarchy", artificial intelligence, certain alternative forms of marriage, and the question of what are the responsibilities an individual has toward his/her fellow humans. It's also a great story with lots of action and snappy dialogue.

Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein - The book is much mischaracterized by certain people as a polemic for fascism. It's quite the opposite, of course, as it suggests that the right to vote and hold office might imply as certain responsibility to society. The idea that some kind of national service (which doesn't just mean in the military) should be a prerequisite for voting and holding office is a provocative one. There are other themes, such as the nature of war, that are also fascinating.

The Man Who Counts by Poul Anderson - This is a Nicolas van Rijn story that should help the candidate/reader discover the nature of capitalism and how an individual can do good by doing well. This and some other Van Rijn stories are shortly to be collected in a volume entitled The Van Rijn Method.

Satan's World and Mirkheim from the same series also come highly recommended.

Avatar by Poul Anderson - The novel concerns the efforts of a rogue space ship captain and his efforts to discover the secret of mysterious alien "star gates" that have been placed across the universe, apparently for use by any beings who can unlock their secrets. It's a polemic, in part, about the value of space exploration.

Orion Shall Rise by Poul Anderson - Set a few centuries after a nuclear war, the story is Anderson's meditation on society and culture. One such depicted, the Mauri, a deeply conservative (small "c") people who seek sociological and ecological stability. One of the themes is the usefulness of technology as a force for liberation.

The Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke - The novel depicts the building of a space elevator, something that might become-in effect-the transcontinental railroad to the heavens.

Imperial Earth by Arthur C. Clarke - The novel depicts the journey of a colonist on Titan to Earth to help celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the United States. Some of the themes include sexual and racial tolerance, cloning (a new subject when the book first came out, but now very current), and the economics of energy production and distribution.

Fallen Angels by Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven, and Michael Flynn - The book is someone dates (depicting a Space Station Mir and a "Space Station Freedom" built from a space shuttle external fuel tank. But it does have much to say about the possible consequences of certain proposed social and economic policies. Efforts to fight "global warming", for example, results in a new ice age.

The Retief Series by Keith Laumer - If there is any better satire about the foibles of diplomacy-and the proper application thereof-this writer is unaware of it. This series should be a must read for any potential Secretary of State.

Dune by Frank Herbert - Probably the best depiction about how a planet's ecology can affect its inhabitants and visa versa. Also lots of great political intrigue which might have some useful lessons for any US President.

The above should not be approached as text books, to be followed verbatim, but as opportunities to provoke thought. It is also not a comprehensive list, as there are many other works that might prove enlightening and enjoyable for anyone seeking public office.