Populist Reform of the Democratic Party

Maedhros

(10,007 posts)

6. For my own part, I define my Progressivism differently.

Fri Dec 12, 2014, 07:34 PM

Dec 2014

My friend, who describes himself as an ultra-Liberal, is incredibly hidebound with regard to what's possible in politics. He sneers at proportional representation, for example, and is fond of the "there is nothing new under the sun" explanation for why our government doesn't work. His Liberalism is, for all practical purposes, only defined by his opposition to Conservatives on an emotional level.

My Progressivism is defined by a simple concept: We Can Do Better.

The "way things are done" can be changed. We can find better ways to govern ourselves. For example, we could get rid of the Electoral College and it wouldn't destroy our society. We could have more than two political parties. We could have universal single-payer health care. We could prosecute torturers for their crimes. WE COULD DO BETTER, it's a matter of having the collective will to do so.

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DEFINITIONS Please: Liberal, Progressive, Populist, Left, etc [View all] Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 OP

Framing Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #1

This article provides one explanation: Maedhros Dec 2014 #2

That article is part of the problem Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #5

For my own part, I define my Progressivism differently. Maedhros Dec 2014 #6

Good post. The word itself means to make progress which a country sabrina 1 Dec 2014 #7

Spot on. [n/t] Maedhros Dec 2014 #8

We need people who are solid and grounded Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #10

I couldn't agree more. I don't look to the government to fix anything sabrina 1 Dec 2014 #16

that atmosphere can and does corrupt even good people with good intentions. Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #19

You got that right. I ran for School Board AllyCat Dec 2014 #13

Thanks for making the effort. Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #20

Sorry about that. But it is the reason why I pay no attention to polls that say sabrina 1 Jan 2015 #31

Yes, so you do see the value in shaping the words... Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #18

We shouldn't define ourselves aspirant Jan 2015 #30

I define my Progressivism differently. Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #9

"Enlightened self interest?" Maedhros Dec 2014 #11

Seems like a semantics issue... Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #12

You pose a question in your OP, Maedhros Dec 2014 #14

Sneer? Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #22

1st paragraph: Avant Conformity... Eleanors38 Dec 2014 #15

Avant Conformity... Act-shown. Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #24

Actually, I was thinking Alicia Bridges' "I Love the Nightlife" Eleanors38 Dec 2014 #25

lol disco, yeah, right over my head ;~) Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #28

That seems very vague and limited in scope? Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #17

My definition of "liberal" is this: cheapdate Dec 2014 #26

Absolutely, morality is a very personal thing Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #27

I don't need to want Warren to be President to agree with her on this bill, my own Rep voted Bluenorthwest Dec 2014 #3

Warren is an example, NOT the point Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #4

Pin of the Week demwing Dec 2014 #21

Haven't you hear? It's a battle of words ;~) Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #23

Democratic Definitions? Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #29