What is a #Progressive

 

Full transparency, to express my bias, I lean more towards the progressive political ideology than any others, including that of Liberal or Democrat, however, I still do not feel I fully understand what it means to be of such persuasion.  So, let's examine it together.

To begin, there are many differing views of what Progressivism means but simply put a progressive is " someone who wants to see more economic and social equality - and hopes to see more gains in feminism and gay rights. They're also supportive of social programs directed by the state - and they'd like social movements have more power in the US" (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35467470

An ideology that finds its roots in the Age of Enlightenment (17th Century Europe), progressivism believes itself to be progressing the human condition forward through reforms meant to increase personal liberty towards the positive.  It is important to note that social liberalism, social democracy, and democratic socialism all view themselves as progressive.  

Enlightenment German Philosopher Immanuel Kant defined progress as one that seeks to move humanity away from barbarism towards a civilized world.  Marquis de Condorcet, an 18th century philosopher and political scientist, believed that progressivism would lead to the abolishment of slavery, the rise in literacy and an educated mind, the lessened impact of sexual inequality and poverty, and high reforms in the prison systems.  During the 19th and 20th century, the 'classic liberals' added the need to  modernize the economy and the removal of all hindrance to free markets and movements of citizens. 

During the 1890s and the 1920s, the United States witnessed the rise of its first wave of progressivism, with their focus on issues surrounding industralization, urbanization, immigration, political corruption, and sought to weaken the impact of corrupt corruptions who held a monolopy over the United States market.  In addition, progressive reformers sought to strengthen the influence of education, business regulation, environmental protection.  Progressives fought to establish direct primary elections, election of senators (rather than by legislature), initiatives, and referendums.  The rise of the woman's suffrage movement also found its highest impact within this movement.  As well, some progressives saw The Prohibition as a means of eliminating political corruption and the improvement of social conditions.  

Today's progressives harken their influence to be of the Roosevelts, both Theodore and Franklin, especially highlighting the impact of FDR's New Deal, with its focus on the "3 R's": relief for the unemployed and poor, recovery of the economy back to normal levels (post Great Depression), and reforms of the financial system to prevent another depression.  In the wake of the attacks on 9/11/01, modern day progressives found their efforts on the rise, seeing the Afghanistan and Iraq wars as government over-reach and saw these wars as greatly leading to the Great Recession of 2007-2008 (worse economic downslide since the Great Depression), which led to the Occupy Movements in 2011 against the impact of Wall Street's influence of wealth disparity.  Modern day Progressives, such as Bernie Sanders, are against the usage of Political Action Committees (PACS) that influence federal elections.  President Obama's "Affordable Care Act" widened access to healthcare which highlights the belief that progressives see health care as a right.  Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Green New Deal which highlights the need environmental protection and to fight against climate change.  The rise of such movements as "MeToo" and Black Lives Matter are rooted in the modern day progressive ideology.

What is a #Liberal #libtard

 

In attempting to describe "Liberal" in its most simplistic and exact meaning, it is of import to note that, at least in the United States, Liberal is not a political party on it's own but merely a philosophy of which certain parties hold as their core beliefs, generally that of the Democrat.  However, a person of the Democratic party persuasion may also use the label "Progressive" in addition to or instead of "liberal".  We shall endeavor to detail the meaning of Progressive in a later entry. 

Merriam Webster defines "Liberal" as a one who is "inclined to be open to ideas and ways of behaving that are not conventional or traditional.  A liberal typically utilizes the words "broad-minded" and "tolerant" to explain their political ideology.    In addition, a Liberal is one who favors the philosophy of liberalism which, as seen above, is a political leaning that views itself as progressive, believes in the inherent goodness of humanity, insists that the citizen is guaranteed freedom away from arbitrary authority, and thus is deserving of protection of their civil and political rights. 

The word and terminology of "Liberalism" stems as far back as the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th Century.  However, for the purpose of this entry, the focus will be on the influence and origins in the United States, beginning with the leaders fighting for freedom away from oppressive royal soveriegnty in the American Revolution.  

As the ages progressed, commencing with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, those with a liberal persuasion would consistently insist upon freedom of speech, freedom of association; an independent court systems separate from other branches of government so as to not be unduly influenced,  citizens' right to  public trial by jury, and the outlaw of extreme wealth abuse.   Later, Liberals began advocating gender and racial equality in their drive to promote civil rights. Other goals often accepted by liberals include the right to vote for all adults and access to free education for all. 

In summation, a Liberal is one who aligns themselve with the ideologies of Liberalism, that of the focus on the freedoms guaranteed in the constittution, freedom of speech, free market economy, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and the focus on a free and fair Democracy where the government is anti-secularism and focuses on the need for an Individual's natural born rights without governmental authoritative control. 

You Are Talking About Me #election2024 #americanpolitics

 

Yesterday I felt like expelling so loudly, a terrified, stress-induced scream.  I didn't, at that moment, I held it back.  I was near downtown in my small city and although if anyone asked, I told them it was in response to recent events tied to my country's current political affairs, they no doubt would understand, I still refrained.  Added to that, I was walking a dog, whose sensitivity to such would worry him to no end, as he could never comprehend.  This past week I have been fortunate enough to spend my time with many a beloved pet, whose existence has not altered as the current political strain of the human world touches them not.  Their simple joy in the little things of life is desirable and a constant lesson for me to slow down, breathe, and embrace the reality of their world.  No, not to escape or distract from the truth of my human existence, but as a healing balm to strengthen and maintain a semblance of peace, stability, and security.

Once, when I was a Christian, I had a dear friend share with me about how her daughter in high school spoke up when her friends were bad mouthing Christianity with "You are talking about me" which silenced their bad talking.  Now, I am not a Christian any longer and I ain't trying to plug Christianity, but the significance of those five words holds weight alongside the current state of my country.  

In my life, I have aligned myself with different political ideologies based on different phases of my life, Democrat from youthful family origin, to the brief "Republican before MAGA" when I was a Fundie, to a stint in the Green Party, to now "Progressive" democrat from a growing information based personal decision.  Because of this, it affords me an unique understanding and affinity for those I care for in each of the political parties.  Yes, I have a strong memorable connection to a tried and true blue democrat, a green party liberal, the Never Trumper, and even the now advancing MAGA party.  In each, I have a memory of special times and a warm sense of love that never will die no matter the politic or change in relationship.  Yet, that doesn't mean that I condone the negative aspects of the beliefs that I feel are harmful and toxic, but only that I remember the love, though it may be buried.

With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me". 

No matter the political party, I hear the same refrain of blame ringing through alongside a lack of human compassion.  With friends that are more 'green party' affiliated, I hear the blame on all of America, both liberal and political, as fake, corrupt, stemming from a place built around conspiracy theories.  With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me".  On the opposite side of the spectrum, I hear the hate-filled spewing of the MAGA, with their self-righteous desire to assume Christianity while being anything but, they seek to 'own the liberal' and celebrate with lack of compassion.  With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me".  This proclamation is meant to give each pause to reflect, to stop in the tracks, and help recall what each of us must, that far deeper than the boundary of country, we are human beings doing our best to live, survive, thrive the human frailty of condition. 

You don't own me, don't try to change me in any way

 You don't own me, don't tie me down

 'cause I'd never stay I don't tell you what to say 

I don't tell you what to do

 So just let me be myself 

That's all I ask of you

Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me (lyrics)