A Tribute to The Nation Magazine

I have written here about some (The New Yorker, Ms., Vanity Fair) of the magazines I read regularly, enjoy, and learn from. Today I would like to pay tribute to The Nation. I have been reading this magazine pretty steadily for most of my adult life. Founded in 1865, the weekly The Nation provides progressive perspectives, information we don’t find elsewhere, and questioning of the status quo. In addition, it offers thought-provoking columns by such writers as Katha Pollitt, Patricia Williams, and Eric Alterman, and excellent coverage of “Books & the Arts.” It also has a long tradition of publishing poetry, something too few magazines do. And then there are Calvin Trillin’s short, humorous-but-serious poems commenting on what is happening in the world, especially the world of politics, and skewering certain hypocritical politicians. The Nation’s articles and columns often make us uncomfortable, make us see matters from new perspectives, and make us realize how essential it is to supplement mainstream press coverage with other perspectives. I want to thank The Nation for its long tradition of journalism with a progressive perspective, and for fearlessly speaking out for all people and against prejudice and injustice.