"At its core," John Halpin writes, "progressivism is a non-ideological, pragmatic system of thought grounded in solving problems and maintaining strong values within society." Progressivism is practical and driven by the values that define America morality and have made our country stronger and better. It's a dynamic concept giving the leadership of an up-and-coming generation of politicos - you - the tools to make this nation's future brighter for all.
So, while conservatives fear change, Progressives see the world as ever changing and we welcome that change. And while conservatives will dispute this...it's true, progressives don't simply ask "How can government help this situation," but "with the tools we have, both public and private, how can we solve this problem?" Isn't that what conservatives say about themselves?
Many here say President Obama is a Pragmatist, Yes, good thing. Progressives are pragmatic and flexible. Has Obama been different than Bush when he realizes he needs a change of strategy and doesn't fear changing course? Do we want a president who can do just that? Progressives are "free of ideological structures that tie leaders to strict policy courses". Why would conservatives fear this kind of progressive leader?
Conservatives who claim they are the real patriots are so wrong. They accuse progressives of being un American, unpatriotic, when the truth is progressivism is about pragmatism and FAIRNESS, very American wouldn't you agree?
Conservatives accuse progressives of lacking morals, the truth is progressives encourage personal and moral responsibility. We believe in maximizing human freedoms and helping the members of our society achieve their full potential.
We believe power, wealth, and information must flow freely rather than be concentrated in the hands of a few so that ALL citizens have the means to contribute.
So, by now if you rightwingers are reading and trying to digest this truth, lets compare conservatives of today's society to progressivism.......
Progressives encourage personal and moral responsibility, and promote respect for ethical values.
Compare that with the false and empty chants of compassionate conservatives, who gladly engage in reckless and unjustified war; deny gays, lesbians and transgendered Americans their rights as citizens; condemn working families to a cycle of poverty; and err on the side of big business over public health and nature's untouched beauty. These are the same 'principled' conservatives who whole-heartedly defended the most crooked legislator in decades, Tom DeLay.
Progressivism is a living tree of pragmatic problem solving....
Progressives have to stand up and define the future of the progressive movement, founded firmly on the principles that make this nation great.......
Progressivism is uniquely American
While some may think that to be a progressive means to be in favor of big government, in fact a true progressive would say they believe in “power to the people.” They see the government as the elected representation of the people and feel that the government ought to be more responsive to the needs of the people.
Progesssives platform includes social justice, pacifism, environmentalism, and human rights. They believe in the democratic process via more direct voter control and they champion consumer rights.
The Progressive Magazine, founded by Robert LaFollette in 1909, is considered to be the primary voice of the Progressive movement. That magazine is still published monthly today, and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary bash in Madison, WI.
Current Progressive editor Matthew Rothschild has taken over LaFollette’s role (with a few editors in between) as the “voice of the Progressive movement.” In his “Editor’s Note” in the anniversary issue (April, 2009), Rothschild called the magazine “the articulation of a mission.” Then he went on to quote LaFollette’s words from the first issue of the publication:
In the course of every attempt to establish or develop free government, a struggle between Special Privilege and Equal Rights is inevitable. Our great industrial organizations [are] in control of politics, government, and natural resources. They manage conventions, make platforms, dictate legislation. They rule through the very men elected to represent them.LaFollette then went on to say that the “battle” against corporate takeover of government “will be the longest and hardest ever fought for Democracy.” That was 100 years ago. Progressives today are still fighting that battle.
100 years ago! Now tell me conservatives, why do you despise the progressives, it makes no sense...
