What's all this "progressive" crap?

[MadProphetMargin]

What's wrong with "liberal"?

Stop apologizing, fer chrissakes.

[Guaranteed]

1. I hear ya. nt

[Blayde Starrfyre]

2. Point taken.

But with the likelihood of a Kerry campaign, it'd be false advertising to say liberal.

[MadProphetMargin]

4. YEAH? Well...

...yeah.

[KurtNilsen]

3. I like social democrats

:-)

But, liberal is ok too.

[ludwigb]

5. The word 'liberal' has many contradictory connotations

In Europe, 'liberalism' is a philosophy of small government with effective checks and balances and a business-friendly environment. The "Liberals" exist as a political party in practically all European countries. They are relatively conservative in Germany and relatively progressive in Britan compared to the mainstream. Either way, "liberal" doesn't mean left-wing and Liberals don't pretend to be the party representing the working class.

Next, we have the fact that the term "neo-liberalism" is used by activists to describe the ideology of global unfettered capitalism. This tends to confuse certain anti-globalization activists who aren't necessarily that bright--Kerry's status as a "liberal" seems a confirmation of his evil. Thus, liberal has become something of a dirty word for both sides.

There is a lot that is classically "liberal" about my political views, but I consider myself first and foremost a left-winger. So sometimes "progressive" is just a lot easier, especially when one is trying to communicate with far-lefties. And of course 'progressive' still has positive connotations.

[KharmaTrain]

6. Cause Progressives Are Progressives

I'd suggest you find a book on Robert LaFollette and the Progressive movement of the 20th century, then paint with your brushes.

I'm not liberal when it comes to finances...I don't believe the government is the do-all, end-all to all social ills. In fact, I'd call myself conservative...so what?

Progressive is a way of viewing the world, and a definition that fits some not all. If you have to ask the difference, you obviously don't know.

Nothing wrong with those who like liberal...(and I saw a website that claims Progressives are more to the left than "liberals") and I'll defend the demonization of that term, but also that I don't fit into the "classic" definition.

Even better, I enjoy when someone resorts to labels, it always means there's no substance in their argument.

[izzie]

7. Our founders were sure liberal. I think things should be made better

call me what you wish. I call my self a social Dem or Liberal.

[KharmaTrain]

8. What's In A Name

Most of our founding fathers considered themselves "Humanists"...long before the concepts of socialism or "liberalism" was developed. And it reflected the times, as our political and social views do.

I've thought those that live by labels and look to define others as very shallow on the complexities of life and the real world. The goal is for each individual to find their own way to survive and possibly thrive in this society, the government to prevent others from exploiting or standing in their way and toleration of those with different views, cultures and lifestyles. I know, I'm dreaming, too.