Progressivism

Inspired by Glenn Beck, I have taken it upon myself to study the history of our country and learn about specific political movements. The book I am reading is called American Progressivism edited by Ronald J. Pestritto and William J. Atto, which gives a history of how the progressive movement came to be over a century ago and what it means to be a progressive.

In the introduction of the book, page 3, under the section "The Principles of Progressivism" it reads:

"The Progressive Era was the first major period in American political development to feature, as a primary characteristic, the open and direct criticism of the Constitution...the Progressive Era was unique in that such criticism formed the backbone of the entire movement...[progressives] knew that the limits placed on the national government by the Constitution represented major obstacles to implementing the progressive policy agenda. Progressives had in mind a variety of legislative programs aimed at regulating significant portions of the American economy and society and at redistributing private property in the name of social justice. The Constitution, if interpreted and applied faithfully, stood in the way of this agenda."

That being said, does President Barack Obama consider himself a Progressive? Here's a montage of quotes from our Head Progressive, but you decide...

Center for American Progress Conference
7/12/2006

Barack Obama – “Those big ticket items like fixing our health care system, uh, one of the arguments sometimes I get with my fellow progressives – and some of these get flashed up in the blog communities on occasion - is this notion that we should function sort of like Karl Rove where we identify our core base, we throw them red meat, we get a fifty plus one victory…you see, Karl Rove doesn’t need a broad consensus because he doesn’t believe in government. If we want to transform the country though that requires a sizeable majority.” Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q9Zkq7XE8c

Joint Session of Congress on 9/9/2009: Barack Obama – “…to my progressive friends I would remind you that for decades the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage available for those without it. The public option…the public option is only a means to that end. We should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal. And to my republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have.”

Campaigning for Martha Coakley on 1/17/2010: Barack Obama – “You will carry on the best progressive forward looking values of this proud common wealth.”

On the Campaign Trail on 9/22/2008: Barack Obama - “Change has always come from places like Wisconsin. The state where the progressive movement was born.”

On the Campaign Trail in Wisconsin on 2/12/2008: Barack Obama – “Where better to affirm our ideals than here in Wisconsin. Where a century ago the progressive movement was born.”

If you want to hear the quotes and a little more details yourself please watch the following video:


And finally one of several quotes of Barack Obama on his view on the Constitution of the United States of America:


In summary, we have a progressive president who thinks the Constitution is flawed, and is surrounded by all of his progressive friends hell bent on "fundamentally transforming the United States of America." Hope. Change. I'm gonna bet it's not what America was expecting.