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GUEST COMMENTARY - In a world often divided by injustice and inequality, I proudly stand as a Progressive. To be a Progressive is not merely to seek change, but to believe in humanity’s boundless potential to improve, evolve, and, most importantly, uplift those who are most vulnerable among us; it is the belief that we can—and must—do better. Rooted in the timeless pursuit of justice, equality, and opportunity, it envisions a world that is safer, healthier, freer, and more enlightened for all.
Perhaps it was in college when I first truly encountered our nation’s real history and the profound idea that we are governed by the law of progress. The belief that, despite our imperfections, society should evolve toward greater justice and opportunity resonated deeply with me. From that moment on, I understood that Progressivism is not just a political ideology, but a moral conviction—that we have a responsibility to shape the world in ways that reflect the potential for good within us all.
Consider how far we’ve come. Without this movement, we would still be grappling with legalized segregation in schools, women would still be denied the right to vote, food would be served without inspection, medicines would go untested, disability rights would be near nonexistent, labor rights and child worker restrictions would be mere goals and consumer protection would be a mere ideal. This movement has been the engine propelling us toward a more equitable society, offering solutions to the challenges faced by past generations.
Progressivism is not simply a political ideology—it is a moral and spiritual ethos that calls us to engage in thoughtful and compassionate action. Born in Athens, the birthplace of philosophy, it found fertile ground during the Renaissance, flourished in the Enlightenment, and came of age during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it carries us into the digital age, where technological innovation and social progress are vital instruments of change.
At the heart of this matter lies a simple yet powerful idea: we can always be better. This belief has been the driving force behind some of the most profound and lasting societal transformations in history.
Progressivism has paved the way for humanity's greatest accomplishments. It was the driving force behind the abolition of slavery, culminating in the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of institutionalized human bondage in the United States. Without these values, slavery might still be entrenched in American society. It is important to recognize that Abraham Lincoln’s stance on slavery was deeply influenced by the Progressive movements of his time. Figures like Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and William Seward pushed Lincoln to take bold steps toward emancipation and equality. Put simply, if not for these ideals, there would have been no Union triumph and no redeeming value from the Civil War.
Women’s suffrage is another testament. Thanks to tireless advocates like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul, the 19th Amendment passed in 1920, granting women the right to vote. This monumental achievement completed our democracy and unlocked the full potential of half the population.
The Civil Rights Movement stands as yet another chapter in this legacy. It dismantled segregation and fought for equality in schools, voting booths, and workplaces. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X carried the torch, ultimately leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Workers' rights also owe a great deal to Progressivism. Early 20th-century labor movements brought monumental changes: the eight-hour workday, child labor laws, and improved workplace safety. These efforts laid the foundation for the New Deal, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and other critical safety nets.
Progressivism also revolutionized public health and safety. In the early 1900s, activists fought for food and drug safety, leading to the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their commitment to science, technology, and public welfare dramatically increased life expectancy and public health standards.
Environmental conservation, initiated under Theodore Roosevelt, is another hallmark of Progressive achievement. Roosevelt’s establishment of national parks, forests, and monuments preserved millions of acres for future generations. Today, this legacy continues with global efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment.
In the modern era, this movement has championed LGBTQ+ rights, educational access, and the digital revolution. It strives to ensure that technology serves humanity rather than concentrating power in the hands of the few. Progressivism is not just about laws and policies—it represents a fundamental societal shift toward equality and fairness.
Critics often misunderstand, dismissing it as government overreach or a stifling of individual liberty. But this is not about control; it is about opportunity. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of background, can thrive.
Progressivism is action. It drives change, opens doors, and transforms ideals into reality. Every human being has the right to live with dignity and opportunity, and I am proud to call myself a Progressive because I understand the profound impact of this word.
We cannot afford to turn back. As we move forward, let us embrace this bold vision, continuing to work together to create a world that is just, equal, and full of possibility for all.
In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Progress is the victory of a better tomorrow over the inertia of the past.” Let us take that charge to heart, knowing that we are all part of a legacy that will shape the future in unimaginable ways—if only we dare to move forward.
(George Cassidy Payne is a writer and educator. He has served in the non-profit sector for 25 years. He lives in Irondequoit, NY.)
