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Here is a very thoughtful piece by David Sirota on the difference between liberalism and progressivism, which to me is right on the mark. Of course since it is a thoughtful piece that would aid anyone in understanding the difference, I won’t expect wingnuts to read it – understanding isn’t exactly at the top of their strengths list. But for those who want to really understand the difference, I highly recommend this piece – it places the question squarely in the context of current issues such as health care and the bank bailout.
One key comment from the article that I am in complete agreement with:
Progressivism’s central theory is that government, as the nation’s supreme authority, can set parameters channeling capitalism’s profit motive into societal priorities—and preventing that profit motive from spinning out of control. (David Sirota)
This article also helps me to step back and ask the question – is Barack Obama either liberal or progressive? Based on Sirota’s essay, I am beginning to re-think my view of the President. Where I had seem him squarely as a centrist before, his success on the health care battle gives me pause to reconsider. I am now moving forward with the theory that he is likely more progressive than liberal, though both are in measured and small doses. And given the toxicity of the environment, small doses is about all this nation can stand right now.
Sure, my personal views are far more in accord with Dennis Kucinich and Ralph Nader than with Barack Obama, but I sincerely doubt that either Kucinich or Nader could have successfully ushered in health care reform – they both would have fought for more on principle, and not accepted what was achievable. By taking what he could get, President Obama changed the rules of the game henceforth. Now the work of the progressives and liberals alike is to improve the legislation that is already in place.
Here’s the article:
The Difference Between Liberalism and Progressivism
by David Sirota
As a progressive, I’m often asked if there is a real difference between progressivism and liberalism, or if progressivism is merely a nicer-sounding term for the less popular L-word.
It’s a fair question, considering that Democratic politicians regularly substitute progressive for liberal in news releases and speeches. Predictably, Republicans call their opponents’ linguistic shift a craven branding maneuver, and, frankly, they’re right: Most Democrats make no distinction between the two words.
However, that doesn’t mean the ideologies are synonymous. In fact, if the last decade of economic policy proves anything, it is that even as the word progressive is now ubiquitous, a perverted form of liberalism has almost completely snuffed out genuine progressivism.
Some background: Economic liberalism has typically focused on using the federal Treasury as a means to ends, whether those ends are better health care (Medicare/Medicaid), stronger job growth (tax credits) or more robust export businesses (corporate subsidies). The idea is that taxpayer dollars can help individuals afford bare necessities and entice institutions to support the common good.
Read the entire article at Truthdig…
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