What is a Progressive? (and why they should scare you) Part 1

Uncommon Sense (davegj13.wordpress.com) ^ | January 28, 2010 | none stated

[Texas Fossil]

So what is a “progressive” and what is my beef with them? For the answer you must look at American history beginning in the early 1900’s.

“Progressivism” is a reform movement that began in the 1890’s and has remained active to this day. At times it has had a lower profile but it has been an active force in American politics for over 100 years.

The American “progressive movement” was originally led by “intellectuals and social reformers” (aka the elite) seeking to address the economic, political, and cultural issues which had resulted from the rapid growth/industrialization of the country as well as the growth of modern capitalism. The Progressives believed then as they do today, that this rapidly changing society required the establishment of a “new order”. Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Croly, John Dewey and Charles Merriam were early political leaders of the movement.

Progressives don’t always agree on how to solve problems but generally they agree government must be actively involved at every level of society to drive reform. They also agree the existing constitutional system is antiquated. They believe it must become a dynamic, evolving instrument of social change, aided by scientific knowledge and the development of administrative bureaucracy.

Some of the first changes the early progressives made were; the direct elections of Senators, the open primary, the initiative and referendum. To drive the desired societal change through the government there was a need for more revenue which resulted in the 16th Amendment and individual progressive income tax.

Progressives are elitists – their vision was to use the Presidency to provide the direction and the vision to drive the evolution of a progressive government.

[DuncanWaring]

...these treasonous bastards should be the first lined up against the wall.

Keep in mind that that's what they've got in mind for us at the first opportunity.

[EdReform]

BTTT