[spintreebob]

The label “Progressive” came from the “Progressive Income Tax” . The “Progressive” part being that the rich pay at a higher rate than the poor.

The literal meaning of current progressives is that they would take more money from the rich like Elon Musk and all those who are so rich that they own their own homes..own their own cars... own their own retirement funds.

In other words...leveling down to equally poor so everyone is equal.

[Salman]

In other words...leveling down to equally poor so everyone is equal ...

... except the politically connected.

[Dr. Sivana]

The label “Progressive” came from the “Progressive Income Tax” . The “Progressive” part being that the rich pay at a higher rate than the poor.

There were "Progressives" before there was a federal income tax (not counting the one during the War of 1861).

It carries a whole lot of baggage, and ran a spectrum, with Taft, Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt all claiming the mantle. In a short phrase, I would characterize it as using government as an active tool to achieve political and social ends.