Labels matter

There seems to be a movement among young college activists today, the origins of which I find peculiar. I refer to the tendency of many students affiliated with leftist causes to identify themselves as “progressives,” as opposed to “liberals.” While I certainly understand the arbitrary nature of political labels, the reason for this distressing shift needs to be examined because it is reflected among our national leaders, as well. \nDuring a 2007 CNN Presidential debate sponsored by YouTube, a viewer asked Sen. Hillary Clinton if she considered herself a liberal. To my utter dismay, she rejected this label and instead referred to herself as a “modern progressive.” She claimed that while liberalism implied “big government,” the progressive movement revolved around “individual rights and freedoms” and finding ways to help the disadvantaged get the tools to lead a more productive life. I hate to burst Clinton’s bubble here, but the ideology she just described is that of modern American liberalism. \nIt is claimed that while the word “liberal” looks to the past for inspiration, progressivism is constantly evolving with societal norms. Let’s take a look, then, at what “backward-looking” liberals have wrought. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, perhaps the most influential liberal in modern society, launched successful institutions like Social Security and the Securities and Exchange Commission. President John F. Kennedy, another liberal stalwart, captured the passion and ingenuity of modern liberalism with the creation of the Peace Corps. And diverse legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the G.I. Bill and the National Labor Relations Act all owe their passages to liberal leadership. \nThe American progressive movement, prevalent in the 1920s, produced results that are more mixed. On the one hand, many economic reforms that are embraced by leftists were first instituted by progressive presidents. For example, President Woodrow Wilson pioneered anti-trust legislation, which acted as a check against growing economic monopolization. Wilson also helped strengthen workers’ rights through legislation like the Adamson Act, which granted eight-hour workdays to railroad employees.\nHowever, the progressive era was also characterized by rampant racism and xenophobia. Indeed, this storied period witnessed the increased disenfranchisement of African-American voters, as well as the rise of virulent anti-immigrant sentiments. Moreover, the progressive era oversaw a massive infringement on civil liberties. President Wilson authorized the interception of all cables to and from Europe during World War I. Wilson also urged the passage of the Espionage Act, which made it a federal crime to promote the success of America’s enemies, thereby criminalizing dissent during wartime. Sound familiar? \nI understand that many progressives feel disappointed by our liberal leadership. Sen. Clinton’s purported fear of a “big government,” despite its obvious historical successes, is quite laughable. One can even question the efficacy of a movement that very few Democrat leaders proudly subscribe to. The solution to this, however, isn’t to shirk away from an ideology that has a defiant and rich legacy. Instead of creating false divisions, let’s reclaim the word “liberal” and everything it stands for – individual liberties, dignity and justice for all.