pro·gres·sive [pruh-gres-iv]
adjective
1. favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are, especially in political matters: a progressive mayor.
2. making progress toward better conditions; employing or advocating more enlightened or liberal ideas, new or experimental methods, etc.: a progressive community.
3. characterized by such progress, or by continuous improvement.
4. ( initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to any of the Progressive parties in politics.
5. going forward or onward; passing successively from one member of a series to the next; proceeding step by step.
I would assume that a majority of Kossacks (Daily Kos members) would identify themselves as progressives based on their beliefs and value system. While difficult to quantify the involvement in the various causes, a few that readily come to mind are the recent OWS protests, the anti-war protests earlier this decade/Vietnam, anti union-busting protests in WI/OH etc. Some of you are also involved in Democratic Organizations, politics, meetings, think tanks, Unions plus being have a life revolving around Democratic forums, Blogs, writing letters to newspapers, radio calls rebutting Republican view points etc.
If the perfect Progressive score was 100, how should the scoring system be designed? Here's my first draft.
1. Your position, activism & passion on these issues of national interest (thanks to The American Prospect dated Dec 6'2010). Award yourself a score of between 1-4 points for your stance on these issues (4 being highest). Please do not score (give a zero) if you have no involvement in any of the 15 issues.
a. Need to regulate big banks; Move your money; jail time / penalties for fraudulent bankers
b. End wars/ use of drone/ Occupation
c. Support net neutrality; SOPA/ PIPA
d. Universal health care with a public option
e. Reduce nuclear weapons / unilateral disarmament
f. Need Cap & trade / Reduce emissions
g. Progressive Taxation; "Fair" Taxes ; eliminate tax loop holes for corporations
h. Support immigration reform; Amnesty ; Support DREAM Act
i. Education & School improvements; Race to the top? ; No child left behind?
j. Reproductive rights; Women's Rights
k. Support Gay marriage & other LGBT issues
l. Stop Torture; Repeal Patriot Act; Indefinite detention
m. Transparency; Campaign financing ; Repeal Citizens United
n. Ending War on Drugs; Medical marijuana ; Reduce police harassment
o. Reduce Fossil fuel dependency; eliminate tax breaks for big oil; Alternate sources
Total Max 15 x 4 = 60 points
2. Active involvement in protests, blogs, raising awareness on forums (news papers, facebook etc.) Award yourself a score of between 1-4 points for your activist involvement (4 being highest)
a. OWS protests/encampments
b. Union protests (if not applicable, pl rate yourself on support monetary or otherwise)
c. Own/operate progressive blogs or constant activity on Progressive blogs/sites
d. Anti-war protests
e. Write to newspapers/internet sites/call radio or C-span supporting Progressive causes
Total Max 5 x 4 = 20 points
3. Direct involvement in Democratic/Green politics Award yourself a score of between 1-4 points for your activist involvement (4 being highest)
a. Heavily involved in School board/local council/state/Federal electoral politics either as an aide, volunteer, consultant or candidate
b. Contribute to Act Blue/Candidate/other progressive causes e.g. Planned Parenthood
Total Max 4 x 2 = 8 points
4. Volunteerism/ Contributing to Society
a. Volunteer for green/progressive causes e.g. Environmental issues, charities etc.
b. Donate blood/organs/tissue; donate food/clothing/money etc.
c. Teach kids/Read to your/neighbor kids/help elderly & sick
Total Max 3 x 4 = 12
Total = 100
I do remember a questionnaire quite a few years back about a method to find out where you stand i.e. Democrat or Republican. If any Kossacks are aware if it and can send it to me would be very grateful.