Not A Progressive?

originally published September 27, 2006

Last week’s column [here] attempting to define “progressives” left some people hurt and confused. Reading through the list of progressive attributes and not finding themselves there left them wondering, “Who am I?” We used to know who we were in local elections—Republicans, Greens, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents—but no more. And now we certainly don’t know who our candidates are: especially those who don’t tell us where they stand on the issues that affect our community.

Obviously, some kind of guide for non-progressives is needed, so that they can understand where they fit into our political spectrum. So, here goes.

You May Not Be A Progressive If…

• You liked Athens better in the old days when we had strong leaders who could get things done, and all you had to do was explain your deal to them and it happened.
• You know we have poor people, but they work for you, and you take care of them.
• You liked it better when people at the University of Georgia kept their mouths shut and didn’t mess with Athens’ business.
• You understand that the business of Athens is business.
• You believe that whatever is good for developers is good for Athens.
• You think bicycles are for children and don’t belong on city streets.
• The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce reflects your political philosophy and preferences.
• You want Athens to be more suburban, with classy, outlying shopping centers replacing the decrepit old downtown.
• You want wider, faster streets, so that everybody can get where they’re going in a hurry.
• You believe bigger is always better.
• You believe green space belongs in parks.
• You believe that our natural resources - land, water, air - belong to whoever owns them and that ownership should not be prevented from trying to make a profit, no matter how much pollution might result.
• You believe old houses on big lots with shade trees are a waste of our limited land resources.
• You believe sidewalks bring undesirable people into your area.
• You think trees are a nuisance and only get in the way of builders.
• You believe the only people who walk are those who can’t afford to ride.
• You believe a city bus system is an unnecessary and expensive frill for those who don’t have enough get-up-and-go to own an automobile.
• You are offended by the sight of people eating and drinking outside in the middle of town.
• You believe women belong at home—after work.
• You do not care to associate with anyone whose religious, social, ethnic or sexual orientation differs from your own.
• You believe neighborhoods are okay for those who want to live in them, but they shouldn’t be allowed to become barriers to commercial development and new roads.
• You believe our big institutions with the biggest payrolls—the University, hospitals, industry—should not have to answer to our local government.
• You believe our public schools are a mess, and responsible citizens will place their children elsewhere and shouldn’t be taxed to support a failed system.
• You believe the highest and best use of our downtown area is condos.
• You believe business, including the public’s business, is best conducted behind closed doors.
• You believe local government has no right to tell you what to do.

So What?

If you are not a progressive, congratulations! You’re in the majority in the state of Georgia, though not here in Athens-Clarke County. So, Mr. & Ms. Non-Progressive, you’ll need to find yourselves some candidates who are open to your way of thinking. But you’ve got to be careful how you go about it. The progressives are pretty strongly entrenched here in Athens, so you’re going to have to give a lot of money to overcome them. It can be done, but you’ve got to be careful to back candidates who don’t come right out and say what they’re for, because what you’re for is not popular with the majority here. Back some candidates who sound good and make a good appearance but don’t say anything. Platitudes: that’s the ticket! Leadership, vision, progress, unity. Stay away from the real issues. You can deal with those after he’s elected.

Pete McCommons, Editor & Publisher

editor@flagpole.com