General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: What is happening B4 our eyes to the mythical 2nd Term "more progressive" President Obama? [View all]Liberal_Stalwart71
(20,450 posts)believes that government can and should act as an agent of change. I don't believe that Obama subscribes to this view as much as I do. I think he is a lot more moderate: the private market should function to generate capital and economic soundness. Obama has not increased the amount of corporate regulations. In fact, he has not gutted many regulations that George W. Bush put on the books. I don't think he believes the classic liberal philosophy that the private market should face more regulations; there should be limits--or a balanced approach. When I think of liberalism, I mean ideas for how much influence and intrusion government should have.
For me, liberalism is more of a political philosophy regarding the role of government. I am a liberal because I strongly believe that government should assume a more active role in regulating the economy, and in the social rhelm, the government should preserve civil liberties and rights. It should be as active as possible in these areas. I don't view Obama as being a liberal in this sense.
Whereas when I think of progressivism, I tend to think about one's propensity towards pushing for progressive change. That change is often gradual and pragmatic. I think Obama is a pragmatist in the strictist sense of the word. I got that from him especially reading his two books. There's nothing in them that even remotely suggests that he's a liberal. However, he has a thirst for change; he believes in reform, advancement. He is progressive.
pro·gres·sive /prəˈgresiv/Adjective
Happening or developing gradually or in stages; proceeding step by step.
Noun
A person advocating or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas.
Synonyms
adjective. advanced - onward - forward
noun. progressist - progressionist
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I think liberalism and progressivism are similar, but they are not the same. And I also believe that liberals like me should embrace the word "liberal" and stop hiding behind the word "progressive" because they are different. Similar but not the same.