I want to take a minute to name some of my particular-ness, some of the bias I carry into this.
I have steadily moved over the course of my life from a conservative political view to a progressive one. I think it might be fruitful to talk first about how the categories of conservative and progressive fit in this framework I’m writing about.
The core belief of conservatism is rooted in a Modern understanding of truth—we are conserving universal principles which help humanity best live in this world. Universal goods have been discovered, and must be defended and upheld. America’s Founding Fathers articulated the social contract, the political theory which is the best form of government the world has ever known. Accordingly, originalism must be rigorously adhered to in Constitutional interpretation. We’ve found the foundation, and we must conserve it.
The core belief of progressivism today is rooted in a postmodern understanding of truth—we are constantly learning and growing and progressing toward a community and nation which always can improve how humanity lives best in this world. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but our social contract has been shaped by and for the benefit of the majority, and especially for those in power. Accordingly, those in the minority will help us see how we need to adapt and grow, in order to help more and more people experience life and liberty. The original framers of the Constitution left behind and left out renters, and women, and Blacks and Native Americans and others, and oppression has been the result. We’ve seen the flaws, and we must progress to correct them.
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