for progressive engagement with corporate concentration

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An article today in the NYTimes about progressively engaging corporate concentration showcases resourcefulness that 21^st century democratic politics needs: “America’s Top Foundations Bankroll Attack on Big Tech,” by David McCabe.

But its fabulous mix of efforts—constructive, critical, and oppositional—don’t intend to be considered in an integrative way. Progressive politics requires prospecting such ways while needing new kinds of resources.

a venture in progressive pragmatism

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I want to enter here my comment at Tom Friedman’s review of Samantha Powers’ The Education of an Idealist because it encapsulates my sense of politics.

Friedman’s review provides a fine excursion into what progressive pragmatism is.

We commonly counterpose “Progressivism” with “Conservatism,” but the basic dyad is idealism and realism that remains highly aspirational. That is a hallmark of America: progressive pragmatism.

prefacing a detailed sense of humanistic ecopolitics

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I responded to Joseph Stiglitz’s article at the NYTimes, on progressivism, then posted further response, re: one of several replies to me (bottom of that). I sought to respond to another replier (joseph parmetler), but the “Comments” feature closed before I could post it. So, that’s below (with formatting additions not available at
 the NYTimes):

The issues are complex. I’m sure—I know—that Mr. Stiglitz’s position is more sophisticated than an article can convey—and far beyond my layman’s sense of economics. 



Fair tax policy surely should “support education, health care...,” but there are approaches to government which are about more than support. They enable: Policy needs to be creative, progressive, not just fair and equitable—but that too! Democracy is a way of building futures. Progressive politics is about conserving cherished values by advancing them.