defining "progressive"

i'm not sure what the term "progressive" means anymore. i used to think it meant those things that are counter to the status quo--over-consumption, greed, staggering cost of living, class system, etc. however, i am beginning to see where it really means "ok we wish to see change but only if i don't have to change my behavior." case in point. i saw a flyer for a house for rent. tiny 2 bedroom. the owners say they are progressive, into sustainability. their home is on a small lot with organic veggie beds and fruit trees. tiny house on tiny lot. all for only $850/month. they had me hopeful until i saw the price. what typical renter can afford that price? if they were truly progressive, they would make it affordable for everyone.

visiting a website that labels itself "progressive", i have seen similar behavior. i have read statements by people who call themselves progressive who have said: "well, you know, folks who have to declare bankruptcy usually have a character flaw that leads them to be in this situation to begin with." yep. even sadder is that few people challenged this outrageous and arrogant statement. (i kept reading, hoping the reader would point out the character flaws of our government and the elite that have both created and kept the class system going.) i have read statements by people who call themselves progressive that "health care costs need to be made more affordable." nothing about universal coverage for all. and i have read statements by people who call themselves progressive who support NAFTA and think the solution is "more education so that we produce more engineers, high-tech personnel and doctors and less lawyers and social workers". unbelievable. and utterly naive.

i am sickened by people who drive suv's and slap bumperstickers on their car with sayings such as: "proud to be democrat" or "kerry/edwards" or "live simply". go on home to your big home in the subarbs, look through your stock portfolio and fall asleep watching your big screen tv with satellite dish. when you fully wake up and examine your own excessive consumption and realize how that is harming the planet and making it so millions of others are unable to create a safe, sustainable existance, THEN you can share your ideals with the world.

it's time to define what progressive means. i think i can come up with some ideas that fall under the term "progressive". health care for all. affordable housing for all (and housing that is practical--unless you have 9 children, which hopefully at least 6 have been adopted, no one needs a 3,000 plus square foot home). employment that provides a living wage, vacation, sick leave and retirement for all. clean air to breathe. healthy, abundant food that is free from pesticides and hormones. a safe environment. clean, running water. an elimination of the class system. redistribute the wealth. people first, profits second. living in a way that doesn't take away the right of another to live in the same manner, or put another way: live in balance with the earth and with your neighbors.