Let's have a look at progressive politics in the U.S.

It would be an understatement to say that the U.S. is politically divided these days. It's a shame, but it's what we've got. I want to delve into the implications of what divisiveness means and its history. It's not a new topic, it had it's beginnings in the early years of the 20th century. But it has evolved and its effect on the country is much different today than it was early in the century. Modern progressivism in politics is a broad, evolving philosophy rooted in the idea that government should actively address social, economic and political inequalities, especially those created by or left unresolved by markets and existing institutions. It's not one single doctrine, but a family of ideas that tends to cluster around a few core principles. Progressives generally believe that left alone, systems like capitalism can produce large inequalities in wealth, opportunity, and power. Government isn't just a referee, it's an active participant. Meaning,government must regulate corporations, expand social safety nets, and intervene in markets when outcomes are seen as unjust. Modern progressives push for policies that reduce economic inequality and increase security through: - higher tqxes on the wealthy and corporations - stronger labor protections (unions, minimum wage increases) - expanded public programs (healthcare, education, childcare) In the U.S., figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are often associated with this wing. With regard to social justice and civil rights, the emphasis is on equity, not just equality. There is focus on perceived systemic barriers tied to race, gender and class. There is support for policies addressing historical disavantage. And, of course, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, criminal justice reform, and voting access. This is where modern Progressivism differs from older liberalsim, it tends to see inequality as structural, not just individual. Progressives often support universal or near universal healthcare (e.g. "Medicare for all"), reduced or free college tuition, and student debt relief. The idea is that basic services shouldn't depend heavily on income. Climate change is central. They belive in aggressive emissions reductions. Government should invest in renewable energy, and pursue policies like the "Green New Deal." With repsect to Democracy and Political Reform, many progressives argue the system itself is unbalanced. There should be campaign finance reform, reducing the influence of money in politics. There should be expansion of voting rights and access. Gerrymandering should be ended, with extensive electoral reforms. Modern Progressivism traces back to the Progressive Era (late 1800's to early 1900's), with figures like Theodore Roosevelt pushing antitrust laws and reforms. But todays' version is more focused on identity and structural inequality. It is more skeptical of large corporations and more supportive of expansive federal programs. Inside of the progressive/ liberal party, the ideological alignment is not monolithic. There are ongoing debates as to how far should government go? Is equity compatible with merit-based systems? And are large-scale programs efficient or bloated? Within the Democratic Party, Progressives often differ from moderates on pace and scale. Modern Progressivism is about using public power to reshape outcomes, not just preserve rules. It is driven by the belief that fairness requires corrective action, not passive neutrality. Conservatives often look at progressive ideology as lacking good, old-fashioned "horse sense." This should be self-explanatory, but to be safe, let me explain. If it looks like socialsim, walks like socialism, and quacks like a socialism, then it's socialism. As the late, great Margaret Thatcher famously said, "Socialsim is fine until you run out of other people's money.