What do you think of the term "Progressive moralist"?

[FubarFly]

If a psuedo-fundamentalist right wing extremist like Bush can pass himself off effectively as a "compassionate conservative", why shouldn't we respond accordingly? Using this term will remind people that progressives do in fact have morals, although as a rule, we are not interested in shoving them down anyone's throats. Respect for your fellow citizen's rights would be fundamental to a progressive moralist. And under this umbrella we can fit tolerance, diversity, freedom of expression, and social equality. Any thoughts?

Note: I would still like to one day reclaim the word "liberal" , but in the current political climate, this is obviously not immediately realistic.

[shraby]

1. How about morally progressive

[FubarFly]

4. As a label, it would be "moral progressives."

And yes, that may be more apt.

[burrowowl]

2. A Progressive is

by definition MORAL.
Progressives believe in the Sermon on the Mount, Charitas, social justice, etc.

[FubarFly]

3. Exactly.

So let's work on getting that simple fact back in the mainstream.

[checks-n-balances]

6. Right!

The word "moralist", especially when the word is expanded to "moralistic", is a derisive/pejorative term. So "moral progressive" is really better.

I even like "morally progressive"!

[pilgrimm]

5. sounds good

could use that in conjunction with an attack on fundies morals like selective moralist

[FubarFly]

7. Selective moralists...I like it.

People who only stand up for morals that personally benefit them. This wouldn't necessarily include all fundamentalists. The door would still be open for those who want to embrace actual American values. It also wouldn't discount the notion of them having morals, merely challenge it.

[checks-n-balances]

8. They aren't just selective moralists

In truth, they are MORALLY BANKRUPT.

[FubarFly]

10. Well, I go farther and call many of them

ignorant bigots, but I think the desired effect is to challenge them, rather than insult them. :evilgrin:

Although, I would love to get some of these bastards on the defensive.

[pilgrimm]

11. yeah, in truth, but

when did truth ever win an election.

[checks-n-balances]

12. That's true!

Although at some point I think it will be obvious that BushCo is morally bankrupt, even to some of their supporters who voted against their own interests.

That's because - along with the rest of us - the supporters will be financially bankrupt.

[pilgrimm]

13. I just hope it's not 50 years from now

though I think that it could be sooner, but that doesn't matter so much now that he has his new term.

I think a lot of people already know that they are corrupt, just not the extent and were just too scared to vote for Kerry who was smeared pretty well and also with the terrorist threat and Bush's exploitation of that. I really don't think the values issue won the election, never less it's an important issue for Dems to work on.

[pilgrimm]

9. It also wouldn't discount the notion of them having morals,

merely challenge it.

Right... I didn't think it out that far, but that is good. beat that drum for a while and people will be more likely to embrace the entire range of moral issues.

[Leilani]

14. I think it's too complex for lots of our fellow citizens

I'd keep it simple.

[FubarFly]

15. Are you serious?

Is "moral progressive" any more complicated than "compassionate conservative?"

[Leilani]

16. Yes, I was serious

A lot of people don't know what progressives are...

I've seen the word questioned debated here...what is the difference between a liberal & progressive?

If people at DU ask, what's the chance that John Q Citizen in Soso, Mississippi gets it?

[ZombieNixon]

17. Good one!

Please post it in DU Groups: Framing the Debate. We're collecting terms.

[baltodemvet]

18. Clunky

This is not a term I'd ever use and anyone who calls me that is itching for a fight. I'll settle for "American", "Democrat" and I ain't afraid of "liberal".