Neo-Progressive

New progress for new century

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                 Neo-Progressive ideology is a collection of principles of the early progressives such as U’Ren and La Follett as well as new principles  aimed at tackling challenges of the 21st century.  Original progressive ideology, before it was hijacked by the statists such as President Wilson, were aimed at empowering American citizens; the prevailing idea was removing the center of power from Washington DC by place it in the hand of the citizens within states through direct democratic practices.  Much like the situation we face today, early progressives were battling federal government which was much more aware of wishes of trusts and corporations than their own constituency.  The federal and state bureaucracy served the business interests above all and individual citizens and small business were effectively barred from the political process. 

                 How neo-progressivism differs from the modern progressive movement?  Modern progressive ideology suffers from near religious exclusivism, it doesn’t allow for choices.  Neo-progressive principles are founded in federalism and direct democracy, with aim for maximum plurality and competition of ideas.  There are 7 fundamental principles which guides neo-progressive philosophy:

1. Empowering states and individuals.

2. Implementing a consumption and/or property tax instead of progressive income tax.

3. Focusing labor unions on local and state issues rather than national politics by reducing the federal government’s impact on the domestic policy.

4. Education reform which gives students and parents freedom in school choices and makes all public schools (including higher education institutions) tuition free.

5. Foreign policy of engagement; limited cooperation with the UN, and increased focus on regional multilateral organizations.

6. Ending long-term and permanent military presence in foreign lands and increasing Naval and Air capability for rapid force deployment.

7. Immigration policy focused on assimilation and inclusion.