I really hate the word "progressive"

[leftyandproud]

It really makes no sense. Technically, everyone is for "progress"
The pubs want to "progress" towards unrestrained corporate power and fundies running the government, banning all sorts of things they don't like. Every victory they have against abortion or gay rights is "progress" to them. They consider reducing taxes, jailing pot users, and taking over 3rd world countries to be a sign of "progress". We on the left see these as "regressive" policies, and they see our legislative victories the same way.

Every victory we have for our issues is "progress" towards our ultimate agenda...and vice versa for them. Most American people don't have a f*cking clue what "progressive" means...It just sounds stupid and self congratulatory to those who use it..It makes you sound like you have a big ego...When I hear someone say "I'm a progressive because I want progress...I want fairness" My immediate reaction is "Well NO SHIT SHERLOCK!! Everyone is for progress..everyone is for fairness!!"...The question is what are you progressing towards?? What is your definition of "fair"? There are several different visions of the world, and these words have COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MEANINGS to different people. We need to talk about reality...what we will do in practice if the American people give us a chance...Quit using these stupid labels and explain our agenda. A nice chunk of it does involve LIBERAL spending on the poor and underprivileged. The right may call it "socialism", but we can't be afraid of this. The American people agree with these policies and programs...and if our leaders get the guts to confront the fundies head on and ask them if they would like to dismantle "socialist" policies like social security, etc...we ill pain them into a corner, and they will be forced to agree that a little "socialism" is a good thing. This would devastate and demoralize the true believers on the right, and keep the issue in the forefront with the American people. It will stick in their consciousness...They will come to realize that the devil known as socialism is already benefiting them and their parents...the safety net is a good thing, and the democrats are the only ones fighting to maintain and strengthen it. We win every time. They lose every time. Just be honest...confront the pubs...talk straight...explain the agenda...explain what we are already funding many liberal/socialist programs in America and that they are EXTREMELY POPULAR.

Please please stop hiding behind the "progressive" or "populist" labels in public...It sounds stupid...It sounds egoistic, and a lot of people don't know what those labels mean. You are not a "populist". You're a liberal. You are not a "progressive". You're a socialist. Be honest...if you get called one of things words in front of others, don't cower...don't hide from it. HIT BACK...Say, you're God d*mned right...I believe in 'x...y...z'...I care about the American people and think their interests take precedence over everything else. If this makes me a 'socialist' or a 'liberal', so be it. Ask them if they are ready to dismantle social security and the argument ends right there. If they say yes, onlookers will hate them. If they say no, they are agreeing with a 'socialist' program.

Either way, they lose.
Don't be afraid!

</rant over>

[Jim Sagle]

1. BS.

[A J]

2. I like progressive

It has more meaning than what you give it. The Democrats are the progressive party, the party that looks to future. The republicans are the regressive party, the party that wants the past back.

Progressive ideas are new and bold, like the Wisconsin Idea and a Progressive income tax system.

Progress defines our party. Regress defines the republicans.

[leftyandproud]

4. thank you

for proving my point..

"We want progress...They want to regress"

PROGRESS TOWARDS WHAT?
You sound so cocky saying these things...and it really turns off moderates...Your statements have done three things.

#1, explained nothing.
#2, made you sound self congratulatory
#3, explained nothing

[A J]

7. Progress toward ideas that are new!

I just don't understand how you are not getting this.

Democrats are constantly coming up with and pushing for NEW ideas (and sometimes radical ideas for the time).

Examples of new ideas:


Civil rights for all Americans.

Taxing the rich to help the poor.

Promoting education.

Social Security.

Protecting the environment.

Etc...

These are all new ideas.

Republicans never have any new ideas. Most of their ideas are to get rid of our ideas. Thus -regressive.

Progress means new. NEW! Get it?

[leftyandproud]

8. sorry bud...

but these are NOT new ideas...These are the ideas we have been running on for 50 years..

NOT to say that they are bad ideas...but they are certainly not new.

The Bush admin is pushing RADICALLY new ideas...a radical "new" type of foreign policy with pre-emptive strikes...radical reformation (privatization of social security)...making "progress" in giving businesses the right to rape Alaska, etc etc.

Again, the word progressive really means nothing in the end. It tells us nothing about you...It's long and awkward, and people just don't like the word.

[theoceansnerves]

3. i vote for progressive

i like it.

[coloradodem2005]

5. I like Progressive.

It defines us better than the word liberal. It makes me think of forward thinking. Something the Repukes don't do.

[tedoll78]

14. That connotation is quite good.

And (I'll say it aloud) it doesn't have the negative connotation of "liberal."

The association of moving forward in human development/advancement towards a more well-rounded society with the word works for me.

[Desertrose]

6. seems to me if you're liberal- you should be able to call yourself

whatever the hell you want.

Just seems that way to me :shrug:

I don't think we should get hung up on labels cause they all have different connotations to everyone......different areas of the country especially....

Peace
DR

[LandOLincoln]

9. Right on! This has been bugging me ever since I got on this

site and discovered that the left had allowed and even gone along with the right's marginalizing of the word "liberal."

I'm a Liberal Democrat. I have always been a Liberal Democrat. I will always be a Liberal Democrat, and I will happily beat the living shit (figuratively and/or literally) out of anyone who dares to cast aspersions on that proud title.

Thank you.

[pezcore64]

10. hum

pro•gres•sive

Pronunciation: (pru-gres'iv),
—adj.
1. favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are, esp. in political matters: a progressive mayor.
2. making progress toward better conditions; employing or advocating more enlightened or liberal ideas, new or experimental methods, etc.: a progressive community.
3. characterized by such progress, or by continuous improvement.
4. (cap.) of or pertaining to any of the Progressive parties in politics.

[tobius]

11. Liberal Socialist!

wear it with pride.

[leftyandproud]

15. bump!

[genius]

12. Personally I like the word liberal. But the Democrats have let the

Republicans define that word and so it is unpopular. Most people are liberals but they don't realize it. When people are asked questions to determine where they are on the liberal-conservative scale, the vast majority turn out to be liberals but if you ask them if they are liberals they'll say "no."

[Piperay]

13. I like the term Progressive

I prefer to call myself Progressive because I think the term Liberal is more restrictive, placing more of a 'boundary' on your beliefs.

[zulchzulu]

16. Here's my inspiration for progressive thought

http://www.fightingbob.com/aboutbob.cfm