I don’t like labels, especially political labels. They are too unidimensional, and I am multidimensional. Still, it is better to define yourself than to let your adversaries define you. While I do not presume to speak for others who identify with progressivism as a world view, I am an observer of life and of the many habits and activities of those who roam this planet and behave in a noticeable way. It is in that context that I offer the following observations without reference to any specific person, living or dead, rather to those of us who tend to think and act more or less in a manner that is consistent with the following values and traits. At a bare minimum this narrative describes me. I don’t give a whit about anyone’s contrary opinion of me.

A progressive is someone who believes in and subscribes to progress. A few examples are better yields from our farming efforts; faster and safer means of transporting us around; more effective medicines for curing what ails us; a more efficient economy that produces more GDP, more jobs, more incomes, more tax revenues for a reduction in all the social ills that arise from an inefficient economy. A progressive also wants to see better energy sources that pollute less, that generate more BTU’s for the same effort, and that cost less. He and she believe strongly in education over ignorance, and a society wherein each person has an improved opportunity to find his or her destiny and who might thereby contribute to the common good in new and exciting ways that bring about a sense of fulfillment. A progressive also believes in world peace as opposed to a constant clashing between and among different nations, different cultures, and different religions. A progressive believes in free-flowing ideas and trade; the mobility of everyone but especially the talented; and a tolerance for genuine differences in opinions where free speech is the norm. He opposes hoarding in all its forms, and the concentration of resources in the hands of the few, whether in land, capital, or wealth--knowing that such huge concentrations by the few create shortages for others, and they are the underlying cause of most of society’s ills. He believes in laws that are fair, that are applied uniformly among all; in the openness of opportunities, and in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for everyone. And, progressives also believe in helping those who cannot help themselves, especially the young, the disabled, and the aged. A progressive thinks independently in the pursuit of his own sense of enlightenment and fulfillment, but humanely and generously in pursuit of the common good. A progressive respects nature and all that is of this world whether in the land, the sea, or the air. He will not pollute or destroy wantonly, nor act in any way that is an affront to the beauty that is of this world. He believes that someone who knows little of these closely held values is one who is lacking in self-esteem, and purpose, and is more to be pitied than censured. He believes in a “live and let live” philosophy, yet one that is constrained so as not to impose his beliefs on others (nor theirs on him); and with a strong moral compass to help him reach his place in the sun. He knows he cannot change the world, but he can change something more than just himself. He is a fighter for this list of rights, ideals, and values, and he will defend them against all their enemies—diligently always, but to the death if necessary. Ultimately, a progressive wants to be on the right side of history, and in support of those causes that elevate humanity. He is determined to not die without having won some victory among them.