Ecomodernism and Nuclear Energy

In 'Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World,' Malcolm Harris provides a detailed and critical history of Silicon Valley. The book spans 150 years, from the era of railroad barons to the modern tech industry, and explores how Northern California evolved into a powerful engine for economic growth and global influence. Harris examines the ideologies, technologies, and policies that have shaped the region, including the impact of settler colonialism, racialized labor, and the conversion of public resources into private assets. The book also delves into the lives of key figures such as Leland Stanford, Herbert Hoover, and Peter Thiel, and offers a radical proposition for how society might change course in the face of the current economic and technological landscape.

In 'San Fransicko,' Michael Shellenberger argues that progressive policies have exacerbated problems like homelessness, drug addiction, and crime in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland. Despite advocating for decriminalization of drugs and affordable housing, Shellenberger discovered that these policies have enabled rather than solved these issues. He contends that the underlying problem is an ideology that designates certain individuals as victims entitled to destructive behaviors, undermining the values necessary for functioning cities and civilization. The book compares the approaches of West Coast cities with those of other cities like New York and Washington D.C. , highlighting more effective strategies for addressing homelessness and addiction.