Introduction
Progressivism entails the desire to support and advocate for ideas and activities that focus on improving society through significant reforms. A progressive believes that technological advancements have a major impact on the society and in the overall improvement of the human condition. President Theodore Roosevelt addressed the questions of who is progressive and what are the characteristics of a progressive in one of his speeches of April 1912 in which he illustrated why he considered himself a liberal. He alludes to the fact that a liberal must be visionary and have a conviction that is incredibly intense, the kind that is fool-proof and rigid. Anybody worthy of the virtue of progressivism ought to have a vision that is beyond them. It also must be a conviction so intense that that is all they think about.
Characteristics of a progressive
Roosevelt identifies progressives as those people who have faith, not the dogmatic kind of faith, but one coupled with goodness, justice and ultimately righteousness. A progressive ought to be confident in other people, and that exudes the kindness within. A progressive does not think about their gains but rather what they would do to alleviate the pain of others, especially in times of turmoil. Progressives must rise above self-seeking interests. Roosevelt rose to power at a time when progressivism was under threat. President McKinley had just been assassinated and that had torn the nation apart. It was a time of crisis, and a progressive was needed to do two things; unite the country regardless of political affiliation and enhance progressivism. According to Dalton (2017), a progressive is considered machinery that advance and help propagate social justice, give people control over their lives and choices, and facilitate industrial justice.
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The characteristics of "anti-progressive."
According To Jundt (2018), an anti-progressive is an individual who is interested in making the most personal gains through other people’s pain. Anti-progressives are selfish and have no remorse about their actions, which is an aspect that presents them as individuals who show no mercy upon the suffering of others. The anti-progressives are considered to be corrupt and engage in activities that involve looting of other people’s funds and property. While undertaking such activities, the individuals tend to focus on their own desires and not the aspirations of the people surrounding them.
Goals of progressivism
According to Dalton (2017), the primary purpose of progressivism is the advancement of justice and democracy. Roosevelt extensively refers to the Rate Bill legislated upon and enacted by the previous Republican Senate. He enumerates the struggle that the progressives went through to amend the bill so that it did not undermine the progress made in the rail industry. Democracy is the advancement of people's opinion into government, and that must form the basis of any goal of progressivism. In that case, permanent prosperity is said to be possible in situations that capitalize in justice and democracy of the people, which is an indicator that progressive must have the ability to listen and serve efficiently.
Progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights
Roosevelt enlists a series of achievements progressives had been able to accomplish. He enlists the Rate Bill and what progressives did to make sure it did not see the light of day as it had been framed. The progressives focused on changing critical oppressive clauses before its enactment. He also addresses abolishment of child labor, and inhumane working conditions and focused on talks about improving farmers’ welfare, and family social welfare.
References
Dalton, K. (2017). Changing Interpretations of Theodore Roosevelt And The Progressive Era. A Companion to the Gilded Age and Progressive Era , 296-307.
Jundt, D. G. (2018). Unreasonable Men: Theodore Roosevelt and the Republican Rebels Who Created Progressive Politics by Michael Wolraich. Middle West Review , 4 (2), 77-79.
