What is a progressive?
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by people who are your inferiors.” ~ Plato
"At its core," John Halpin, senior advisor on the staff of the Center for American Progress writes, "progressivism is a non-ideological, pragmatic system of thought grounded in solving problems and maintaining strong values within society."
While the term "progressive" is often used today in place of “liberal,” and the two are related in some ways, they are separate and distinct political ideologies. Progressives see progressivism as an attitude towards the world of politics that is broader than conservatism vs. liberalism, and as an attempt to break free from what they consider to be a false and divisive dichotomy (see Wikipedia).
Perhaps the best description of a Progressive is given by Andrew Garib at the Campus Progress project. Here is a quick summary of his description:
- It's not Liberalism: While there are certainly similarities between each school of thought, and many Liberals may also describe themselves as Progressives, Progressivism is far more flexible than any one ideology. Progressives see the world for what it is, accept it as ever-changing and dynamic, and choose the best course of action in line with decidedly American values.
- It is pragmatic: Above all Progressivism is pragmatic and flexible. While Progressives may find themselves left-of-center on most issues, they are open to solutions from any political point of view.
- It is value-driven: At its core, Progressivism is driven by a desire to promote fairness, human well-being and opportunity.
- It is ours: The success or failure of Progressive ideas depends on the involvement of all Americans. Working at the grassroots level all the way up through the highest levels of government, Americans must take responsibility for its government and its people.
