by R.W. Napper, A gentleman from Tennessee
Democrats, particularly those of the left wing of the party, refer to themselves as “progressives.” The classic definition of a progressive is one who believes that there are societal problems that can only be solved by government action. The period of American History from the very late 1800’s to the early 1900’s is known as the Progressive Era. That era earned the title because government — federal, state, and local — tackled societal problems that included garbage collection and sanitation, water and sewerage, lack of paved roads and streets, the need for urban and rural electrification, unfair labor and business practices, and several more. The state and federal government built new roads and paved old ones to accommodate the growing use of automobiles. Local governments partnered with state and federal governments to build and maintain airports. Pure food and drug laws were passed by Congress for the protection of the American people. Anti-trust laws were passed to protect consumers from unfair business practices. In short, progressives of the Progressive Era — both Democrats like Woodrow Wilson and Republicans like Theodore Roosevelt — used governmental power to address issues that only government could realistically address.
The “progressives” of the today are a different breed. They see government, particularly the federal government, as the answer to all problems. Some of the problems are real; some only suspected. Others are imagined. In fact, many of the real problems of American society today were caused by “progressive” actions intended to solve suspected or imaginary problems. The following paragraphs describe a few of such actions.
The tragic death of George Floyd brought to light the progressive claim that the police were evil and racist; hence, the progressive movement to defund the police or “reimagine” policing. Progressive cities such as Minneapolis, Seattle, Chicago, Portland, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and others purposely cut funding to police and diminished local law enforcement. Diminished police presence along with the eradication of cash bail has led to a tremendous crime wave in cities across America. Mass shoplifting, robbery, carjacking, and wanton acts of violence have become commonplace across the nation. In “solving” a largely imaginary problem, the “progressives” created a real one.
Believing that deporting illegal aliens to be cruel and inhumane, progressive cities declared themselves to be sanctuary cities and have passed “right to shelter” laws. Believing that everyone has a right to build a new life in America (and become voters), the U.S. border has been open to millions of migrants from scores of nations. This is resulting in American cities being over-run, outbreaks of disease, drugs entering the United States in large quantities, and terrible acts of violence by unvetted migrants.
In the 1970’s, bleeding heart liberals saw mental institutions as problems. They pointed to abuses and lack-luster care of patients in long-term mental hospitals. Indeed, such problems existed. Rather than working to solve these problems, progressives pushed for the closing of long-term mental institutions. The rationale was that short-term psych units in hospitals and new and improved medications would better treat mentally ill individuals. Legislation and court orders led to the closing of mental hospitals in the United States. The unintended consequences of these actions are very apparent. Many mentally ill people refuse to receive medication, act out, and become alienated from family and friends. In many cases, these individuals cannot maintain a job or a place to live. Such individuals can be found living on the streets of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and virtually every city in the country.
The above paragraphs highlight a small sample of problems that have resulted from progressive policies. These consequences should come to light each time an innocent person is pushed in front of a subway train, a young person with a whole life in front of him/her is killed by an illegal alien, a gang of criminals clear the shelves at the local Walgreens, a municipal playground is littered with needles, or a police officer is senselessly assassinated.
In closing, today’s progressives should wake up, smell the coffee, and realize that they are the problem.