I don’t care if you call me a progressive or a liberal. I actually consider myself kind of a hybrid between the two. I’m basically a New Deal Democrat without the segregation, and a Progressive Reformer without the holier-than-thou moralism. I’m most likely to disagree with the standard Democratic line on issues of personal liberty, like gun ownership and the right to make shitty lifestyle decisions like drinking, smoking, eating fatty foods and sugary drinks, etc. That also extends to reading my email, listening in to my phone conversations, or throwing me in prison without any due process because you claim I am a terrorist. My basic attitude is that the government should leave me alone and not spy on me, and in return I will pay taxes, obey the law, and show support for things I think the government should be doing.
One thing the government should be doing is keeping rich people in their place. They shouldn’t be able turn this country into a hereditary aristocracy. They shouldn’t be allowed to bankroll politicians. They shouldn’t be allowed to poison our air and water or mistreat their employees. They shouldn’t be able to scam people out of their money with impunity.
I don’t think labels are very important, but I do wonder how people feel about the words ‘liberal’ and ‘progressive.’
