One of the problems faced by current liberals/progressives is that so much of what we wanted to accomplish is already "baked into the cake." It is difficult to motivate people to political action when you've accomplished most of your goals.
The point being made in the clip is that onservatives enjoy the benefits of the many progressive victories over the last century, but think of the realities that these victories created as the organic products of a free market capitalist system. But they are not organic products of free market capitalism. They are the results of a progressive vision to modify capitalism to make it fairer and safer - a vision pursued with energy, perserverence, and courage over the course of a century of time.
This clip does not mention the vastly improved status of children, non-whites, and women, so those victories should be added to list.
Joe H.
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2 comments:
I can see children, and to some extent women (although Wilson signed the 19th amendment, the Republican party made the first great strides toward furthering women's equal rights).
Non-whites (particularly African-Americans) are different story all together. Although the Democratic Party likes to tout their involvement in freeing Black America, it was actually the Democratic Party (especially the Dixiecrats from the south) who kept African Americans enslaved for so long. Their notable accomplishments in this arena include Jim Crow laws, the KKK (although this kind of goes back to "crazy" wings of each party), and the FBI investigation of Martin Luther King Jr. as a communist.
When Barack Obama got up on the morning of his inauguration, he might have thought a little bit about how much our country has progressed in terms of racial equality.
He might have thought about all the African Americans that weeped for joy on the night of his historic victory, rights that Republicans fought for and signed into law in the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to constitution.
Walking onto the stage, he might have thought about the NAACP and all of its accomplishments for equal rights, an organization that was founded by Republicans.
Looking at some of his advisors, he might have thought about all the African Americans who received college educations from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, institutions that were founded by Republicans.
And as he put his hand on the bible to take the oath for president, he definitely thought of Abraham Lincoln, a President who declared that all slaves "SHALL BE FREE" at the risk of losing half of his country, a man who ultimately lost his life because he believed that all men should have equal rights under God.
You see, Democrats mistakenly believe that it was their party that furthered the Civil Rights movement, when it was actually their party allowed it to continue for so long.
I honestly believe that parties change platforms over time, sometimes looking nothing like they did before. I guess they're almost like basketball teams, the make up of a team can change so much with trades and free agency, that you may look one day and not know who you are cheering for anymore.
Justin,
It would be a mistake to equate the Democratic Party of the 1950's - 1960's with liberals. As you know, the Dixicrats were not liberals, at least regarding race.
The parties are more ideological pure at this time - although the republicans are purer than the Democrats. In the past, liberals were not concentrated in the democratic party and conservatives were not concentrated in the republican party.
Yews, I agree, parties change over time. But the progress discribed inthe article is the work of those with a progressive vision.
Joe
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