During a debate I was having recently, someone mentioned that I was a progressive, upon which time I simply agreed and countered that I was indeed a progressive. But they mentioned it in a way that would be considered an insult, by also intimating that I was a communist. They backed this allegation up by linking me to the Communist USA web site where, lo' and behold, the word 'progressive' was used more than once. This got me to thinking, "Do I know what a Progressive is?" Perhaps I've been mistaken all this time to believe that a Progressive is simply someone who wants progress. Perhaps I've been a closet communist for all these many years! Egads! But then I remembered my strong love of capitalism and money and all was good again in the world.
But the question still remains: What is a Progressive. Or more to the point, what is a progressive in the eyes of the world at large? Well, the first place to look for a definition is the handy, dandy dictionary, of course. According to Dictionary.com, A Progressive is a person who actively favors or strives for progress toward better conditions, as in society or government. No communist allusion here. The Progressive magazine, who has been a voice for Democrats and liberals for much of this century, defines their mission as the following:
The mission of The Progressive is to be a journalistic voice for peace and social justice at home and abroad. The magazine, its affiliates, and its staff steadfastly oppose militarism, the concentration of power in corporate hands, the disenfranchisement of the citizenry, poverty, and prejudice in all its guises. We champion peace, social and economic justice, civil rights, civil liberties, human rights, a preserved environment, and a reinvigorated democracy.
Sounds pretty good. Opposing militarism doesn't sound like the communists I know (not that I know any, it's just a figure of speech McCarthy), and the other elements fit the Democratic party pretty well, not Communism so much.
Another definition comes from the Center for American Progress states this:
We work to find progressive and pragmatic solutions to significant domestic and international problems and develop policy proposals that foster a government that is “of all the people, by all the people, and for all the people.” We believe in honoring work, building strong communities, fostering effective government and encouraging free and fair markets.
Again, I find it hard to argue with this line of reasoning.
In the end, I am a progressive who is also a capitalist and proud of it. Trying to connect a progressive with communism is nothing less than McCarthy-ism, which I thought we had outgrown.
