I have been thinking lately about the people that post on DailyKos. We all have different agendas, different backgrounds, different views. Is there one thing that unites us all? (Other than our hatred of Bush, that is?) Or is it a loose coalition of various interests?
There are many differences of opinion in the liberal netroots. Gun control and abortion have advocates on both sides, which can (and usually does) lead to heated discourse. This difference of opinion is vital though to our survival. It allows us to grow and test new ideas, instead of solidifying into a gradually shrinking base as neocons have. We are able to work towards a consensus acceptable to all, instead of 49%. That's what is known as democracy.
But can we agree on one thing that defines us all? A single statement or ideal, a rallying cry, that we may proudly proclaim to the world?
If I had to define what Progressive means, I would say it is the belief that all of us have a responsibility to our fellow humans.
That proclamation may ring hollow to some. But I truly feel there is nothing more sobering than the realization that every choice you make will reflect upon mankind in some way.
If anything has been proven in the past decade though, it is that the world will only continue to grow smaller. No man is an island. Each of us must try to reach down to the lower rungs, and pull those people up to our levels on the ladder of life. This differs greatly from the Republican position, which in many cases is all about social isolationism and personal survival. Those are beliefs that are non-starters in the 21st century.
Maybe I'm wrong though. Maybe there's a better definition out there. Do any of you have it? What makes you progressive?