[Doctor Stochastic]

A.E. van Vogt's "The Weapon Shops of Isher" (and sequels) is interesting for the idea that an armed populace is a good counter to intrusive government. (Probably too libertarian for the Conservatives, however.) Van Vogt's prose is among the best. His two Null-A books make a good detective story (would have been better absent the General Semantics though.)

I also like P.J. Farmer for weirdness (as I do some of P.K. Dick.) Kornbluth's "The Syndic" is interesting too, shows a rather Clintonesque world.

Otherwise, I gave up on science fiction since the New Wave hit.

[Junior]

Science Fiction has always been the perfect vehicle for social commentary.

[secretagent]

Van Vogt's prose is among the best. His two Null-A books make a good detective story (would have been better absent the General Semantics though.)

E-prime edit: "... (they would have done better absent the General Semantics though.)"