As the Clinton campaign achieves full lift-off, it might be instructive to examine what it means to be a progressive or, dare I say it, a liberal. For one thing, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and what's called Obamacare are all landmark achievements of this political philosophy. It helps to also note that all were battled tooth and nail by conservatives, yet one can't imagine a civilized nation without them. Regardless, what does it really mean to be a liberal? For my conservative friends, here's a partial list of what liberals espouse:
Empathy and tolerance for the poor and downtrodden, for those born with the odds against them whether because of income level, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. Liberals are more inclined to be inclusive of those who are "different," and there is less resentment of those appearing to be enjoying a so-called "free ride" in our society. That's because there are many wealthy farmers, hedge fund managers and corporations that are also riding free and in "first class" because of a game they've helped rig.
Pride in the U. S. of A., but a willingness to see its faults as well as its virtues. The U.S. represents a grand experiment in government, and, as with any experiment, we have not always gotten things right. When liberals remind others of the still potent after-effects of slavery on African-Americans or of our past imperialist foreign policy in Iran and Central America, we still love America and think it exceptional. It's just that we also believe in historical context and that there are lessons to be learned from our numerous mistakes.
Belief in God … or not. Many liberals believe in God and channel their beliefs into works of social justice. There are also a fair number of liberals who are self-described atheists and agnostics. The believers accept the non-believers, understanding that faith is a gift. However, it has nothing to do with character and efforts to build a better society. Also, one's beliefs are a matter of conscience and shouldn't be foisted on others, especially when it comes to social issues.
Belief in science. Climate change is real and the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable, though there may still be some nits to pick. Governments around the globe, multi-national corporations, and even the Pentagon and Vatican are fashioning policies to deal with its impending effects. Denial is flat-earth thinking.
Belief in capitalism. It has helped to raise the standard of living here and around the world, but must not be exploitative and unshackled.
Belief that affordable health care is a right and not a privilege. Period.
Reasonable gun control. No one wants to abolish the Second Amendment, but the founding fathers would have suffered apoplexy had they foreseen the unparalleled scale of slaughter on our streets and in our homes, schools and public spaces. No other advanced nation comes close to our per capita deaths by firearm.
Allowing each state to regulate guns simply isn't working when a Maryland resident can get an assault rifle from a Mississippi gun show without a background check.
A sense of perspective versus unjustified panic. Terrorism, ISIS, Islam, undocumented immigrants, a growing minority population and even Ebola are not reasons to hide under the bed.
Unencumbered voting. There should be automatic voter registration when one gets a driver's license or state ID, a system of online voter registration, and a guaranteed two weeks of in-person early voting, including weekends. New barriers to voting are simply un-American.
Finally, belief and trust in the role of government to improve society. No one wants an intrusive "nanny" state that controls all aspects of our lives. But there is no denying the beneficial results of past government policy, from Social Security to the laws and regulations of the EPA, OSHA, FICA, SEC, FDA and the rest of the alphabet soup of federal agencies.
What sane person would wish to go back to the early 1900s and its horrific record of factory safety; tainted meat; unsafe and bogus drugs; polluted streams, lakes and rivers; death-trap cars and uninsured savings accounts? It has taken more than a century of reform to clean up industrial and corporate excesses, so be wary of those eager to roll back the clock because of too much "big government." If you doubt me, ask the residents of Flint, Michigan about their water.
Frank Batavick writes from Westminster. His column appears Fridays. Email him at fjbatavick@gmail.com.
