Thank you for visiting this page.  Although this page is still under development, I hope that you will find it interesting as it develops. 

For the moment, most of the energy is being channeled into the New Progressive Blog, which is located at  www.erictrach.com 
 

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What is a New Progressive? 

With all of the political terminology being thrown around, it's fair to ask what is a progressive -- and more specifically what is a "new progressive". 

According to Wikipedia, "Progressivism is a political philosophy whose adherents promote public policies that they believe would lead to positive social change. As a broad characterization of political leanings, political progressivism mostly refers to social liberalism, social democracy, or green politics. Progressivism may also mean preferring moderate change, as opposed to minimal or maximum change. In this sense, it is contrasted with reactionary, conservative, as well as radical ideology. Progressive logic is the value logic that gives an underlying unity to this diversity of views."

"Early in the twentieth century, progressives worked to reform the political process in the US. In several states, they succeeded in reducing the power of political bosses by instituting presidential primaries and non-partisan elections. They exposed corruption, and established public control of the existing monopolies over public resources, such as water and gas works. They were the driving force behind the reform and regulation of child labor, the institution of public education, and the right of women to vote. Their efforts contributed to the writing and ratification of the 17th Amendment (the direct election of senators) in 1913, and the 19th Amendment (right of women to vote in federal elections) in 1920. They sought to improve transportation for the public. They also pressured state legislatures to raise the property tax in order to spend more money on schools, parks and other public facilities."

In other words, progressives seek to improve the political system by making it work more effectively for citizens.  By making government more accountable, reducing abuses of power and expanding social services, progressives have strengthened American democracy.

This progressive idea is not only relevant in America.  Outside the United States, the progressive supports human rights, democracy, sound economics and a vigorous system of supports allowing all citizens to prepare and adapt for the world of work.  The progressive favors open trade but opposes subsidies -- supports education and health care for all citizens but opposes restrictions that undermine economic competitiveness (which ultimately hurts the poor). 

The New Progressive seeks to improve the human condition by incorporating the best ideas of the right and left.  By combining sound economics with measures designed to strengthen democracy, improve opportunity, enhance national security, protect human rights and foster competitiveness, we advocate policies designed to improve life for all of our citizens and ensure the long-term health of our environment.  We strongly support personal liberty and respect for the laws of economics while also understanding that democracy thrives when people have lifetime employability and an opportunity in our increasingly dynamic global world economy.