Progressivism
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Progressivism |
Progressivism or political progressivism is any of several historically related political philosophies or political ideologies. There are also a number of progressive political parties in various countries. Political progressivism per se can not be classified as left or right. But in particular political spectra, current progressive parties in English speaking countries align themselves to the left, meanwhile in other countries, like in Northern Europe, the right. Whether conservative, environmentalist or liberal, progressive parties are generally reformist in favor of democracy.
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Overview
Progressivism is a stance of active support for political change and especially social change by governmental action.
History
United States
In the United States, the term progressive can be traced back to the Progressive Era of the early 20th Century, when certain politicians and civilians pushed for better working conditions for the average worker, better living conditions for the poor, the cleaning up of corruption in politics, environmental conservation and other issues. This desire to make the world a better, safer and more economically fair place for the average American while lifting up the poor, and the thought that government must play a role in doing so, remains the guiding philosophy of progressivism today.
While the United States has not again seen a period of progressive activity to rival the Progressive Era, progressives have continued to achieve measured but steady success in turning their ideas into law. Among these: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, welfare programs for the poor, anti-discrimination laws based on race, gender or sexual orientation, Affirmative Action, minimum wage laws, unemployment benefits, gun control laws, clean air and clean water regulations, environmental standards for business, setting aside of lands for conservation and to protect certain animal and plant species, the Endangered Species Act and more.
Progressivism Today
The philosophy of progressivism as positive reform has not changed over the years; human rights, fairness, safety, environmental conservation are still at the heart of progressive activities. However, the specific issues progressives champion are a mix of old and new. Issues of passion for today's progressives include the concept of a "living wage", closing the growing gap between the rich and the poor, the perceived restriction of civil liberties brought about by the Patriot Act, health care for all Americans, equal treatment for homosexuals, campaign finance and election reforms, combatting corruption by corporate executives and financial market powers, fighting the policy of preemptive war, and more.
Progressives are especially dismayed at the policies of president George W. Bush and the Republican Party, which they believe are turning back the clock on issues such as workers' rights, help for the poor, environmental standards and a fair tax system. The invasion of Iraq is also an issue for progressives.
In recent years, as conservatives have successfully denigrated the word "liberal" in the minds of many voters, Democrats are increasingly embracing "progressive" to describe their political philosophies.
Leaders and organizations that consider themselves progressive include Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Senator Edward Kennedy, activist Ralph Nader and the Green Party. In general, the Democratic Party is seen as the more progressive of the two major political parties in the United States. The Progressive Caucus in the House of Representatives, made up of Democrats and an independent Congressman, includes many of today's politicians working toward progressive ideals. In addition, many new progressive organizations have been formed over the last decade, many in response to the Republicans' dominance of both houses of Congress and the presidency. These include MoveOn.org, America Coming Together, and Progressive Democrats of America.
In 2005, there is an alliance of several regional progressive parties lead by the ones in Vermont and in Washington State. These parties are characterized for their reformist and centrist platform.
Those in opposition to the progressive philosophy argue that it stifles business production through over-regulation, including wage and safety laws, and environmental restrictions. Further, they suggest that progressives favor unfair wealth redistribution from rich to poor, job advantages for minorities, and that social programs such as welfare offer handouts that discourage able-bodied people from holding down jobs. Many also believe that progressives encourage immorality by favoring policies such as abortion rights and homosexual rights.
These opposing views lead to an inevitable tug of war between the sides, with each gaining the upper hand at various points in history. Today's progressives are long on passion but short on political power.
See also the Progressive Party. which refers to 3 different parties of different periods, to see how the term progressive has been used in political campaigns in the past.
Australia
The term progressive is also popular in Australia, since many on the left are not supporters of the (centre-right) Liberal Party of Australia. Progressives usually support either the Labor Party, the Democrats or the Greens.
Canada
The term progressive is also popular in Canada, since some on the left do not support the centrist Liberal Party of Canada. They should not, however, be confused with supporters of the old Progressive Conservatives. The New Democratic Party often considers itself progressive, and attempts to appeal to progressive voters.
The Progressive Party of Canada briefly rose to prominence in the 1920s. The Progressive Canadians Party, composed mostly of anti-merger Tories, was formed several months prior to the 2004 general election.
New Zealand
Jim Anderton formed the New Zealand Progressive Party by splitting from the Alliance (New Zealand political party).
The Progressive Green Party was formed in 1995 but has now disbanded
Progressive voters also support the New Zealand Labour Party
See also
References
George Lakoff. Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1–931498–71–7
External links
- A list of popular Progressive websites – From CommonDreams.org
- Air America Radio – Progressive radio network
- America Coming Together – Political Action Committee mobilizing progressive voters
- The American Prospect – Progressive magazine and non-profit think-tank.
- Daily Kos – Web log, or blog, and online discussion of progressive events
- Democratic National Committee
- Democratic Underground – Progressive news views and active progressive message boards
- MoveOn.org – Progressive political action organization
- Progressive Democrats of America
- Progressive Depot – Online mall contributing profits to progressive organizations
- Rockridge Institute – Progressive think-tank
- Talking Points Memo – Web log, or blog, offering progressive political opinion
Resources for Studying Progressivism
Categories: Politics stubs