A View Of Progressivism and Liberalism

A view on “Progressivism” and Liberalism: The philosophical fathers of progressivism include Francis Bacon, Hegel, Marx, Comte, Rousseau, Condoret, Bentham, Mill and Edward Bellamy… One of the main characteristics of these thinkers’ progressivism was its pseudo spirituality, or relation of humanity.  In this substitute religion, faith in a transcendent moral order is replaced by faith in nature, science, technology, and reason, This faith also involves a sort of humanitarian sentimentalism that attempts to satisfy an inner desire to serve mankind and the world by engaging in reforms meant to uplift the less fortunate. Yet these reforms are not intended to effect inner spiritual reform but rather to change institutions and thus improve society through outer reform. Conservatives argue that progressive humanitarianism is both a diversion and escape from individual moral responsibility.

Progressivism also includes the idea that human perfectibility is possible in history. This doctrine hold that it is unnecessary to wait for the afterlife for human perfection; the fulfillment of human nature can take place in earthly life. Scientific progressives, like Bacon, believe that progress is a predicate of scientific knowledge and technological developments. Social progressives, like Croly, believe that human nature can be transformed through political reform

Progressivism is intimately tied to modern liberalism and the politics of the welfare state, which holds that the transformation of society can only be achieved by a centralized government that has sufficient power to remake society…

…Finally, progressivism has in it a gnostic element. That is, progressives believe that they possess the knowledge needed to transform society and human nature. They are greatly dissatisfied with the world as it is and are impatient with life and the very structure of reality because these fall short of perfection or the the progressive ideal. These gnostic attributes are part of an existential disposition that fails to accept the permanence of evil in earthly life – in theological terms, original sin. By contrast, most conservatives believe that the structure of reality, including human nature, is permanent. Attempts to transform the human condition end up in disaster, as Huxley and Orwell suggest in their dystopias Brave New World (1932) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949).

They believe they are the gods in this world and that is why so many liberal/progressives don't believe in the Bible. They believe they control global warming,consumption and income. They do not believe in the God given rights of all Americans. They believe that the Constitution is not a static document but a living one. And they believe that conservatives and progressives can't co-exist within this country. I ask you who was this country designed for? Was it designed for the Progressives or was it designed to protect us from the progressives that played a major role in our forfathers leaving their country of origen? Our Constitution is the enemy of the progressives. We have not had such a rise in the progressive movement since Woodrow Wilson. And we have made it our countries mission to fight it in many lands. Now is the time to pick a side. Progressives are no friends to Blue Dog Democrats,Republicans and Libertarians. Lets start treating them like they have been treating us. When Obama speeks to Congress he greets them as Republicans and Progressives. Why has he been leaving out the Democrats? We surround them and now is the time to show them how many and how strong we are. They have divided this country long enough.  Don't let them fool you. They think of everyone that isn't a progressive as the enemy. This isn't about being liberal. There are many degrees of liberal and conservative. But as you already know progressive is a different animal all together. We all need to put aside our differences and come together as Americans and fight for the America our forfather built. The America that can't stand as a free nation under God if the progessives have their way with her. You will not get more freedom but less.  Please take some time and leave a comment on what you think. I believe in free speech but please keep it clean and productive.

What Was Obama The Community Agitator Say And Mean?

Raise Taxes:
• “I have proposed a fee on the biggest banks.”
• “finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas”
• “But at a time of record deficits, we will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, investment fund managers, and those making over $250,000 a year.”

Tax Cuts With Strings – Targeted, Not broad-based cuts:
• “new small business tax credit”
• “eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment”
• “provide a tax incentive for all businesses, large and small, to invest in new plants and equipment”
• “give rebates to Americans who make their homes more energy efficient”
• “give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs in the United States of America”
• “That’s why we’re nearly doubling the child care tax credit”
• “expanding the tax credit for those who start a nest egg”
• “give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants”
• “we will extend our middle-class tax cuts”

Regulation
• “We can’t allow financial institutions to take risks that threaten the whole economy”
• “Require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf of a client with my Administration or Congress.”
• “And it’s time to put strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates for federal office.”
• “urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong [the Supreme Court ruling]”
• “We are going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws – so that women get equal pay for an equal day’s work.”
Spending - General:
• “We need to encourage American innovation” (through “investment”)
• “launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security”
• “we will step up re-financing so that homeowners can move into more affordable mortgages.”
• “jobs must be our number one focus in 2010, and that is why I am calling for a new jobs bill tonight.”
Spending Freeze and Reform
• “Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary government programs will.”
• “calling on Congress to publish all earmark requests on a single website before there’s a vote”

Spending - Education
• “When we renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with Congress to expand these reforms to all fifty states”
• “urge the Senate to follow the House and pass a bill that will revitalize our community colleges”
• “And let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required:
o “to pay only ten percent of their income on student loans,
o “and all of their debt will be forgiven after twenty years – and forgiven after ten years if they choose a career in public service.”
Healthcare (Spending, Regulation and Taxes)
• “And it is precisely to relieve the burden on middle-class families that we still need health insurance reform.”
National Security
• We will have all of our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August.
• “We will support the Iraqi government as they hold elections, and continue to partner with the Iraqi people to promote regional peace and prosperity. But make no mistake: this war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home.”
• “To reduce our stockpiles and launchers, while ensuring our deterrent, the United States and Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest-reaching arms control treaty in nearly two decades.”
• “That is why North Korea now faces increased isolation, and stronger sanctions – sanctions that are being vigorously enforced.”
• “And as Iran’s leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no doubt: they, too, will face growing consequences.”
• “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”
Immigration
• “And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system – to secure our borders, enforce our laws, and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nations.”