The Radical Centrist November 12, 2004 Chris Nolan has more on her "progressive-libertarian" idea Chris_ has responded _ (http://www.chrisnolan.com/archives/000598.html) to the response to _her earlier post_ (http://www.chrisnolan.com/archives/000597.html) . Apparently I wasn't the only one to experience an allergic reaction to the term "progressive-libertarian". She explains that she means to use both terms in their traditional way, shorn of the unfortunate code-meanings newly attached. I can buy that. I'm a big fan of Teddy Roosevelt, who wore the "progressive" label with pride, and a low-level libertarian inclination is a common link for most centrists. I'm wary, however, of trying to swim against the tide when a term catches on as a code word or buzzword with very specific connotations. But these are good words that ought to be rescued and re-introduced into the conversation, so let's try the progressive-libertarian label for a while. I have no disagreement at all with the concept she is describing. I live a few miles down the peninsula from Chris and this generally unnamed and unrecognized "movement" (really a trend, not yet sufficiently self-conscious to be a movement) is very strong here. In Silicon Valley it can be very difficult to tell the Democrats and the Republicans apart. Here's a quote from Chris: The movement isn't without its faults. Progressive libertarians don't think big in the political sense because, fundamentally, they have contempt for politics. They see a problem – education is big here in California – they come up with a solution. They move on. They emphasize the ROI – return on investment – but in many cases the work that government does has little, if any return. They haven't really come up with a solution for the increasing economic disparity in this country. Their attitudes toward the poor, the ill, the disenfranchised are often dismissive, sometimes cruel. In short, no these are not classic Liberals although many are loathe to say so. And yes, the could well be Rockefeller Republicans but most of 'em don't know what that means. They are what's new in politics, however. And they're growing before our very eyes. Well, I'm old enough and East-Coast enough to know exactly what "Rockefeller Republicans" means. I prefer to look back to T.R. for inspiration, but both were a bit "old money" for my taste. The movement in this area seems more tied to an entrepreneurial spirit. Perhaps that energy, so ready to break out and embrace the future, can be harnessed to remake the political landscape the same way it is remaking the economic world.
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