[jfahler03]

What are your thoughts on the Progressive Era? Do you think that we will ever again have another Progressive Era in American politics... especially in light of today's economy?

[Narcil]

Originally Posted by jfahler03

What are your thoughts on the Progressive Era? Do you think that we will ever again have another Progressive Era in American politics... especially in light of today's economy?

What do you mean? And by progressive, do you mean liberal? Just not sure what your question is actually about. Maybe you could put forward you opinion and we can respond to it.

[Than]

I think if corporate abuses keep piling up like they have been, and the offending corporations grow in number and audacity of their abuses, it's a very real possibility.

[jfahler03]

Originally Posted by Narcil

What do you mean? And by progressive, do you mean liberal? Just not sure what your question is actually about. Maybe you could put forward you opinion and we can respond to it.

I don't have time for a long-winded history-filled response (I know that bums you ), but the Progressive Era and Movement (First known as the Populist Movement... the book and movie The Wizard of Oz is about the Populist movement relating to the farmers of the turn of the century) was the famed response which became popular in ca. 1875 through 1920 to the abuses of big business that had occured since our nation's acceptance of Adam Smith's capitalism. It doesn't deny capitalism, however it creates a need for responsible restrictions to be put upon it. For example, it would deal with child labor laws, protection against "union busting", protecting the smaller business from something giant like Rockefeller's Standard Oil (or today: Gates' Microsoft), etc. etc.

The movement itself historically crosses party lines, with Progressive presidents including Republicans William McKinley (I'll make sure this first one is correct and change this later ... it's early), Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft. In modern times, it revolves more around the Democrat Party's platform, as Republicans traditionally have revolved around lower taxes and less overall control on the big business.

I'm asking that in light of today's economic situation and behemouth sized corporate mergers if you think another Progressive Era is in the works in the next few years.

Oh...something I forgot to mention: a smaller progressive movement (better titled as a reform movement for labor-related issues) occured before the Civil War in conjunction with the Second Great Awakening. Historically, religion has backed the Progressive Movement... will we see this with a third Progressive Movement?

For my first question, I'm thinking... hoping... someday we will.

For my second question, I'm not sure. It's too hard to tell what Joe Religious Guy will do. And we have such a diverse religious population since 1875 - 1920 anyway...

[Narcil]

Thanks for the explanation. In light of what you wrote, I will think about your question and then get back with a response.