How would you describe yourself?

My daughter, Carly, asked me the other night how I would describe myself politically. That wasn’t an easy question. I don’t have much trouble having an opinion on most any subject (whether I know anything about it or not) but often I am reacting to others, not taking a personal stand. Many people would probably categorized me as a Liberal but I have become uncomfortable with the label. Why? Because it is so often understood as meaning 1) cavalier, or anything goes 2) irreligious, or theologically anything goes, 3) in most of the world economic liberalism is understood as being economically hands off, or laissez faire. Generally, I prefer the word “progressive.” I like progress. I believe in moving on, moving forward. Plus, it is a nice contrast to the conservative movement which is so often focused on returning to the past, recovering or reestablishing a by-gone era. I don’t want to go back. With all of our problems, we have made great strides on the role of women, racism, sexism, human rights, civil rights, labor rights, social equity, caring for creation. But everyone one of these many gains is in danger of being lost. In fact they’re being lost daily. We have to be eternally vigilant standing up for the progress we have made. We need to teach our children how important these gains are. And we need to fight to preserve them.