Who Is a Progressive? - Essay Sample

Introduction

Leadership is a fundamental aspect of the development of any organization or nation. The characteristics of a progressive, according to Roosevelt include the positive view of human nature; which he states in his speech that most of the liberal presidents had a favorable view of the human life by believing that people are integrally excellent and moral (Roosevelt, 1912). The other outstanding characteristic that was portrayed by progressives was their determination to expand the democratic process which was heavily influenced by their view of human nature (DeWitt, 2017). The progressives advocated for the implementation of secret balloting process as well as the adoption of the initiative, referendum together with the recall (DeWitt, 2017). Secret balloting is the epitome of democracy in any republic; it has actually been extended in organizations to help people elect their preferred leadership. The desire for social justice was also another belief by the progressive which was mainly the belief in the goodness of humanity and the necessity for social justice (Tomlinson, 2017). Justice delayed is justice denied; this is the principles of progressives as a foundation of administering equality to all people alike. According to Roosevelt, most of the progressives believed that every member of the society is entitled to decent and average living standards which include appropriate remunerations, old-age pension, safety at the workplace, the compensation of workers as well as maximum hours (Roosevelt, 1912).

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According to the speech by Roosevelt, an "anti-progressive" is an individual who is directly or indirectly in support of privileges and even special desires. They carefully and creatively craft laws and rules to run in their benefit in total disregard f the common good for all. They are self-centered and selfish individuals only after their self-interest. An "anti-progressive" may be acting on wicked intentions or could be puzzle-headed, hence lacking the mental vision and social empathy in a particular subject (Roosevelt, 1912). Roosevelt also explains that an "anti-progressive" also referred to as a reactionary, can also be against movements of social justice despite their profession or intention and can be anyone else who does not show the interest in such movements or moves in solidarity with them (Roosevelt, 1912). These are a group of individuals who will stop at nothing to ensure that there is a total disregard for social order, blatant abuse of human rights as well as complete disregard of the human rights and social life. Generally, individuals referred to as "anti-progressives" do not have belief in the general public and they intend to keep the people helpless by using them for their benefits (DeWitt, 2017).

Some of the goals of progressivism, as narrated by Roosevelt in his speech include securing the real and not the nominal rule of the general public (Roosevelt, 1912). The real rule is anchored on respect for humanity, observation of human rights as well as recognition of the needs of the entire society. This is the objective that motivates the progressives towards ensuring the accomplishment of intentions of the government for the free and threatening distinctive interest, as well as frustrating the desire of the general public by establishing a clear-cut distinction between them, for which they can struggle and push back the anti-progressives. In his speech, Roosevelt explains that a progressive is an individual whose sole purpose is to fight for social justice (Roosevelt, T. (1912). The fight for social justice starts at the household level. The social justice is not only attained through physical tussle but through the accumulation of progressive struggles and overcoming barriers to equality and fairness. The dimensions of social justice that should be addressed include the protection for factory ladies from machinery by establishing the definite number of hours that women and children should work, enhancing favorable living standards for the people overcrowded in the urban residents (Tomlinson, 2017). Industrial labor laws require that every organization is responsible for the welfare of their workers at all times. Finally, progressivism aims at standing up for the minority and ensuring that everyone is treated with equality and the same opportunities. The majority groups including the widows, refugees and those seeking asylum, the handicapper among others must have their protection founded in the laws of the land.

Some of the progressive achievements that Roosevelt highlights in his speech include the Rate Bill upon which he says that would undo whatever has been achieved by taking control over the great railways for the last twenty years (Roosevelt, 1912). The Rate Bill was opposed by Senator Aldrich but was conversely supported by the reactionary representatives. The reactionary representatives were hasty in passing the bill as a way of protecting their selfish interest at the behest of the majority, who, according to them does not matter as much. However, the progressives in the Senate pushed for the amendment of the bill and made it better despite the opposition from the anti-progressives. Roosevelt emphasizes that the critical features of the law were cut out even though an exception of the provision of the Commerce Court was a mistake and should be repealed because that section of the act is perceived to be mischievous.

References

DeWitt, B. P. (2017). The progressive movement: A non-partisan comprehensive discussion of current tendencies in American politics. Routledge.Tomlinson, L. D. (2017). New Definitions of Progressivism in the Age of Obama. How the Obama Presidency Changed the Political Landscape, 109.

Roosevelt, T. (1912). Who is a Progressive? Teaching American History. Louisville, Kentucky. Retrieved 2 February 2019, from http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/who-is-a-progressive/