| | "Progressive" is a term that is loosely adopted by many college
students across the country nowadays. Radio pundits (mostly
conservatives) are labeling the expanding, largely grassroots movement
as the "far left extreme." Major (conservative) think-tanks
and family values groups say that these "far left loons" (O'Reilly, of
course) are hijacking America and taking it down the wrong
course. These individuals and groups will be left behind in the
future of politics and viewed as ignorant, just as racist Wallace-era
conservatives from the mid-century are viewed today.
Beware,
the definition of 'progressive' that most of the conservative base
would like you to believe in false. In fact, progressivism was
coined to refer to the reformists of left-wing politics advocating
gradual social improvement and to differentiate themselves from the
more radial revolutionaries or radicals. The movement formed out
of a response to the many horrors that accompanied U.S.
industrialization, advocating for workers' rights and social
justice--remember your history book excerpts of 12 year-olds working
16+ hour days with no job protection? The first major political
accomplishments of the progressive movement was breaking monopolies
with anti-trust laws and expanding the conservation movement
(interesting word choice) to form the American National Park system and
delineate Wildlife Refuges. Later, progressive politics shaped
agencies such as social security, welfare, and government work programs
such as the TVA that helped America revive itself from the Great
Depression. The principle leaders in this early movement were
Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, FDR, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
I
am not a democrat and most definitely not a conservative, but I do
identify as a traditional progressive. I believe the
controversial yet ethically sound issues of today will be tomorrow's
celebrated accomplishments, much like the early- and mid-century
progressive accomplishments are viewed today. After an era
of the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer, stronger
protection and support will be developed for the middle class.
Social security will be reformed and available to future
generations. All citizens will be afforded the same fundamental
rights and freedoms to live their lives as the individuals they are,
and the American family will be defined by commitment and love, not
false gender binaries. The American economy will continue to
improve, but not at the expense of the American worker. America
will support governments that value human rights and work to sustain a
global political atmosphere. Environmental protection will become
a priority, and eco-friendly business practices will become the
demanded norm. All citizens, regardless of backgrounds or
location, will receive a quality and equitable K-12 education and have
access to a post-secondary school experience.
To imagine
anything less is to underestimate the power of a rising
generation. The world will change for the better, as history has
shown. The path to a brighter future isn't paved smooth, but the
human work ethic coupled with a spark of idealism will guide us to the
mountain top.
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| | Posted 11/27/2006 12:58 PM - 100 Views - 2 eProps - 2 comments
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