The American political system is currently biased against progressivism

[andym]

The American political system is currently set up such that destruction is far easier than creation.

To do anything positive, like creating public health care requires the President, the House and 60 votes in the Senate. To shut down government only requires control of one chamber (or potentially the Presidency if a veto can not be overridden).

The threat of utter destruction associated with a shutdown can be used to destroy valuable government social programs, research, regulations etc. So if the new conservatives are anti-government anarchists, as the teapartiers seem to be they have all of advantage of the system on their side.

This is not a system where it will be easy to do anything progressive.
The road to any progressive legislation appears to be a daunting one. The only hope is that progressive thought is able to vanquish that of the conservatives in public discourse. It does not seem to be happening though. Quite the reverse, as Fox and friends seem to dominate. I think the future of progressivism and the USA itself may lie in our ability to wield influence over the public.

Only question is how best to do it? I am not sure sites like DU and Kos are the answer. Books? Films? Youtubes?

[aquart]

1. I like liberalism. Doesn't shilly -shally.

[andym]

3. Since the 80's when Reagan helped turn liberalism into a bad word

"progressivism" has been the more acceptable word. But you're right, why not start promoting "liberalism." If nothing else, we need to reclaim its positive connotations.

[upi402]

2. Keep fighting the good fight!

I happen to think the media is key. People are easy to fool, and distract.

[andym]

4. But what is the best way?

We need some strong cultural resonance. I'm thinking film/video/tv series where the implications of progressive/liberal economic thinking is made concrete as part of a more conventional story....