Definitions

[trezic]

I see the labels progressive and liberal tossed around on here quite a bit, but precious little definition for them. I'd like to see just what people think of this, so I'll offer my own thoughts and ask for responses.

Progressive: These are the hardcore social justice people. Primary concerns are poverty and the environment. Tend to be hostile to corporations in general. Also tend to be hostile to the national security state and the use of force internationally. And, this could just be me, seem to be near obsessed with ideological purity.

Liberal: Less hostile to corporations, but share much of the same suspicions as progressives. Primary concerns tend to be social issues, as opposed to social justice, such as civil rights, gay rights, opposition to the death penalty, and church/state issues. Not quite as suspicious or hostile to the national security state and the use of force as progressives, but not so far either. Would primarily support the use of force for humanitarian reasons, but not to defend economic or geopolitical interests. Ideological purity becomes more important when times are bad.

Me: Anachronistic Democrat, Southern Democrat, Cold War liberal. Primary concerns are economic and foreign policy. Less concern over the motives of corporations but rather the inherent influence that size confers. No inherent hostility to the national security state, just a recognition that constant and effective oversight is necessary both for protection and to make it worth having. Social issues aren't so important; all citizens get the same rights, period. No hostility to a foreign policy that seeks to protect and expand American interests or the use of force to do so. Would greatly prefer skillful diplomacy as a less expensive method (after all, more countries have collapsed internally from war than have been completely defeated). Ideological purity is irrelevant. Pragmatism, though hopefully not expediency, is king.

Anyway, feel free to correct me because I'm sure I screwed something up with this. I tried hard not to knock anybody as well, so if I'm dead wrong, please just tell me. Thanks.