[Editor’s Note: Mr. Wattree’s “Beneath the Spin” normally runs on Wednesdays.]
[img]583|left|Eric L. Wattree||no_popup[/img]As one who has tried, with varying success, to be progressive in my thinking, I’d like to make a few personal observations on the progressive movement.
I have long since recognized that I have not cornered the market on knowledge, wisdom or intellect. I share my thoughts, not as a condescending edict handed down by a self-appointed pundit, but, rather, in the hope that the thoughts of an average man are worthy of public discussion.
The appropriate attitude for a progressive is firmness of thought and an open mind to divergent ideas. A progressive should have the intellectual capacity to realize one neither can scream nor insult one’s way to a solution.
Here is what should set a progressive apart from others: An affinity for the people, independence of thought, and a fierce determination to remain a seeker of truth, regardless of where it leads.
But those values no longer are displayed by many progressives. Contemporary “progressives” tend to possess the same rigidity of thought and meanspirited, knee-jerk adherence to ideology that the progressive movement was created to combat.
They Are Beginning to Look, Act Alike
Radical reactionism is the response they bring to the slightest detour from their ideological beliefs.
That concerns me. While conservatives and today’s so-called progressives remain far apart in their views toward governance, they’ve become different sides of the same coin in intellectual disposition.
I’ve often heard it stated that the regimented intolerance of reactionary conservatism was reminiscent of Nazi Germany. If true, it must also be acknowledged that the intolerant regimentation of many radical “progressives” represents the USSR, at best.
Modern progressives have allowed themselves to become infected with the same intellectual rigidity we associate with the radical conservative mindset. Some progressives could be called latter-day conservatives. They have a slightly updated set of values. But their inflexibility surely will morph into the closed-minded conservatism of tomorrow.
That is the primary reason the conservatives’ reckless campaign of rampant disinformation is winning over reasoned thought. Contemporary progressives have taken on the conservative attitude of anger before contemplation, reaction over reason. No one is left who actually is thinking. Everyone reacts through anger, ignorance and disinformation, an environment in which the Republican Party thrives. A thinking person would know radical conservatism is reactionary by definition.
A More Intellectual Approach
Progressives cannot out-scream the Republican Party. We shouldn’t try. Disinformation being disseminated by the GOP must be met with facts, a well thought-out plan of action, integrity, and character.
The American people are not stupid. They desperately want these qualities in their governance. But the progressive movement is not giving them a viable alternative.
The problem is, we have not coalesced into a solid front with a clear, viable agenda. We have divided into many factions with different agendas. People no longer know what we represent. Too many of us don’t know what it means to be progressives.
We fail to understand the primary goal of the progressive movement is to create a democracy that serves, respects and honors all people. Due to the destruction of our educational system, the corrupting influence of Republican governance over the past 20 years and an irresponsible media, our ideals are only a rumor up for debate for an entire generation.
Worse, the above also is true of young people of the Left. While they know their political orientation is liberal, they don't know is there is a vast difference between being simply liberal and being a progressive. As a result, they approach our democracy as if it were a sporting event, our team against their team. Period.
They fail to realize the progressive movement is more than a synonym for left-wing liberal. Progressives have served as America’s philosophers, intellectuals and its conscience. True progressives don’t see conservatives as the enemy. They understand liberals and conservatives play an important role in our society. They recognize that both are necessary to maintain a balanced America. They understand that while there’s a burning need for a Martin Luther King to remind America of its humanity, there also is a need for a Gen. MacArthur to ensure our security.
The progressive movement is not so much a political ideology as a philosophical attitude towards human behavior. A true progressive, as opposed to an ideologue, will give truth, logical thought and the interest of humanity priority over ideology. Regardless of how much he or she may admire a politician, he will hold that politician accountable for truth, justice, and his fidelity to mankind.
I can cite an example in my personal life. I am a huge supporter of President Obama because I agree with more of his positions on public policy than I do with the Republicans.
I have both friends and family who go crazy when I write a column critical of him, when I disagree with something he does or something he fails to do. They say I am only helping the Republican Party drag him down.
I take the position, as both a journalist and a progressive, that while I support Obama, it is not my job to censor information when, in my opinion, he has taken a position not in the best interests of the people (failing to follow the rule of law regarding the atrocities of war committed by the Bush administration, for example). Neither is it my job to protect Obama's Presidency. It is Obama's job, by making the right decisions in office.
Barack Obama is a politician, and a democracy can only remain viable by holding every politician’s feet to the fire. It does not matter how I feel about him personally. All I am concerned with is what he does to, or for, the people.
In my opinion, that is what it means to be a progressive.
I find it disheartening to watch the corruption of such an essential component of our political environment. Even more dispiriting is the impact that its loss will have on American life. With the demise of a vigorous, thriving progressive movement, America is becoming a place where power takes precedence over humanity.
That is a scenario that only can lead to our destruction.
Mr. Wattree may be contacted at wattree@verizon.net
You may learn more about Mr. Wattree at wattree.blogspot.com
Religious bigotry: It’s not that I hate everybody who doesn’t look, think and act like me. It’s just that God does.
