You're just another damn progressive, aren't you? Why my friends and acquaintances don't see me as a Centrist, by Donald H Marks

It's quite common I think for people to presume what are another person's core beliefs when it runs to politics, philosophy, science. In what can be a hostile political environment of interpersonal relationships, often people are labeled based on political and professional affiliations, the relationships they attend, their expressed preferences for political candidates, their position in society or in business, the car they drive, the clothes they wear and how they wear them, who they marry or what family they have married into, race, their commonly perceived class, presumed wealth, and a myriad of other obvious and subtle tags that we all wear. General political descriptive terms I often hear include right winger, conservative and progressive. Yet, I infrequently here the term Centrist. In my own experience I have found people more likely to label someone as a progressive, but I have only rarely heard someone labeled as a centrist, because it seems almost as an afterthought whereas labeling someone as a progressive seems to be more intentional and descriptive. I present the following discussion of centrist versus progressive versus leftist philosophies as an illustration to better define terms but also to explain to individuals who really know me why I am definitely best described as a centrist. A few months ago I went to get my prescription eyeglasses and the technician told me that I had a prescription for progressive lenses. I told him It couldn't possibly be true and that I had to have centrist lenses. He didn't get the joke and I didn't try to explain it Centrists vs Progressives - what are they, how are they different from each other, and are these even important questions to ask? Being a Centrist: Centrists Focus on practical solutions: I and my fellow centrists prioritize finding common ground and workable solutions to social, economic and political problems, rather than adhering to strict ideological positions. Centrists favor moderate approaches to policy, avoiding extreme absolutist and potentially confrontational stances on either the left or the right. Centrists tend to evaluate issues on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific context and potential consequences of different policies. Those who know me can see this being true. We centrists often express reservations about excessive government intervention in economy or social issues, while recognizing the need for some regulation and social programs. See for example my comments in a separate writing on Universal Basic Income. Centrists believe individuals should take responsibility for their own lives and choices, while at the same time being realistic and acknowledging the role of social factors in shaping opportunities. An example here is that while centrists recognize the continued presence of racism, greed and bias in relationships, as a Centrist I would never make a statement like “if you are not an active anti-racist then you are a racist.” Do any of you recognize that contemporary speaker and author? I think that a lot of my progressive friends would actually go along with that kind of statement which I find unrealistic, impractical, provocative, confrontational and definitely not the kind of thought pattern which would decrease racist beliefs. Quite the opposite. Centrists also have distinct approaches to various issues that clearly separate themselves from progressives. I would start by saying that although some people would say that both centrists and progressives are generally left-leaning, I disagree with this. I think that centrists are intentionally not left-leaning and especially don't like to be labeled as leftists. In contrast, progressives I have known are proud to be considered left-leaning and don't like to be considered centrist or moderate. Here are some specific policy areas describing how centrists differ from progressives. Of course, you may find a lot of this as generalization and it definitely should be considered so in my opinion. As always, I welcome your comments directly back to me. Economics: Centrists may favor a mixed economy with a balance of market forces and government regulation. A centrist might support a gradual increase in the minimum wage, while a progressive might advocate for a significant increase to a livable wage. Progressives often advocate for stronger social safety nets and government intervention to address inequality. This may be a good time to refer you to my writing on the developing trend in a post-labor A.I. economy to having Universal basic income. My experience with progressives is that they prefer equality over equity but don't always appreciate the differences. Food Preferences: Centrists: Generally open to a variety of cuisines and dietary preferences, including traditional, organic, and fast food. They may prioritize convenience and affordability. Progressives: Often prioritize organic, locally sourced, and sustainable food options. They may be more likely to follow specific diets like veganism or vegetarianism. Literature: Centrists: May enjoy a wide range of literature, including classics, contemporary fiction, and non-fiction. They may appreciate works that explore complex characters and social issues without necessarily advocating for specific political agendas. You can find here a link to my favorite books and to my favorite authors. A centrist might enjoy a historical fiction novel exploring the complexities of a past era. Centrists often enjoy a variety of genres, including classics, contemporary fiction, and popular culture. They may appreciate works that explore complex characters and social issues without necessarily advocating for specific political agendas. Progressives: May be drawn to literature that promotes social justice, challenges oppression, and celebrates diversity. They may prefer works that explicitly address contemporary issues and offer solutions, but at the same time, I have found progressive literature can be short on tolerance. A progressive might prefer a contemporary novel that critiques systemic racism. They may be drawn to literature and films that promote social justice, challenge oppression, and celebrate diversity. They may prefer works that explicitly address contemporary issues and offer solutions. Politics: Centrists generally favor pragmatic solutions and incremental change. They may be more willing to compromise and find common ground with opposing viewpoints. They are, after all, in the center. Progressives often advocate for bold policy changes and social justice. They may be more likely to challenge the status quo and push for systemic reforms. Religion: Centrists often hold diverse religious or spiritual beliefs, including deism, agnosticism, or a personal spirituality. They may value the role of religion in personal life and community but not necessarily in shaping public policy. In my own experience, I have found that people in general and progressives in particular tend to assume that centrists are agnostic or atheist, which is definitely not necessarily true. Progressives tend to be more secular or non-religious, emphasizing reason and evidence over faith. They may advocate for the separation of church and state and oppose religious influence in government. I have also found that progressives can exhibit very little tolerance for anyone with religious beliefs and can subtly or blatantly make it disadvantageous for others to express religious feelings in their presence. Any of you who know me directly and want a more specific example in this regard are welcome to contact me. A centrist might attend church services for personal reflection and community connection, while a progressive might prioritize involvement with secular community organizations focused on social justice. Science: Centrists: Tend to respect scientific consensus but may be more open to questioning established theories if presented with compelling evidence. They often prioritize practical applications of scientific knowledge. This can also explain my satisfying career in internal medicine, an area where there are not many not as many absolute truths and causation can be elusive. One specific area that comes to mind is the recent Covid epidemic and the heavy-handed and often not fact-based government programs that followed. Progressives: Tend to reflexively embrace scientific consensus and advocate for policies based on scientific findings, yes they perceive them. Yet they may be more likely to challenge traditional beliefs or practices that conflict with scientific understanding if they conflict with their accepted and preferred knowledge set. Social Issues: Centrists: Tend to hold diverse views on social issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. They may prioritize individual liberty and personal choice. Progressives: Generally support reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and social justice movements. They may advocate for government intervention to address social inequalities. Renewable Energy: Centrists: May support a mix of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and nuclear power. They may prioritize cost-effectiveness and reliability. Progressives: Often strongly advocate for immediate and significant investment in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. They may be more critical of nuclear power and fossil fuels. More Controversial Issues: Abortion: Centrists: Hold diverse views on abortion, with some supporting it in all or most cases and others supporting it with restrictions. They may prioritize individual choice and bodily autonomy while also considering fetal viability and societal values. Progressives: Generally support abortion rights and access to safe and legal abortion procedures. They may advocate for the repeal of restrictive laws and policies. Birth Control: Centrists: Generally support access to birth control and family planning services. They may prioritize individual choice and reproductive health. Progressives: Strongly advocate for affordable and accessible birth control, including over-the-counter options and comprehensive sex education. They may view access to birth control as essential for women's health and economic opportunity. Trump: Centrists may have mixed feelings about Trump 45 and 47, acknowledging both his supporters and detractors. They may focus on specific policies or actions rather than personal opinions. Progressives generally have a negative view of Trump, criticizing his policies and rhetoric. Climate Change: Centrists may acknowledge the existence of climate change but may be more skeptical of the urgency of the issue. They may favor market-based solutions or technological advancements. Progressives generally view climate change as a serious threat and advocate for immediate and significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Healthcare: Centrists may support a mix of public and private healthcare options. They may be open to market-based reforms or incremental improvements to the existing system. Here is a link to my recent article on keeping politics out of health Care (fat chance). Progressives generally advocate for universal healthcare and a single-payer system. Trans Rights: Centrists generally support transgender rights, including the right for adults to gender-affirming care and legal recognition of gender identity. They may prioritize individual rights and non-discrimination, sometimes best described as MYOB. At the same time, many centrists are uncomfortable with aggressive transgender who try to force their perceived sexuality on others. Progressives strongly advocate for transgender rights, often pushing for comprehensive legal protections and policies that they strongly believe will address systemic discrimination and inequality. Yet, from what I have read and observed in this issue, progressives tend to disregard and are generally inconsiderate of what everyone else believes in the areas of trans and LGBPT and are willing to push these issues even to the point of alienating potential allies. Examples include advocating for genetic males to have access to female changing areas and restrooms and forcing women sports teams to compete against teams that contain genetic malemail members. Supreme Court Stacking: Centrists, and perhaps MAGA. Generally oppose the idea of "packing" the Supreme Court with additional justices to achieve a specific ideological balance. They may view it as an undemocratic and partisan move that undermines the legitimacy of the court. For those really interested in political history and the lessons held there, which I am sorry to say excludes almost everyone that I know, I refer to the unsuccessful attempt by my favorite President FDR to stack the supreme Court. Progressives: May support expanding the Supreme Court to counterbalance or perhaps neutralize the current conservative majority. They may argue that it is necessary to restore balance and protect judicial independence. Up to this point, I have concentrated on the differences between centrists and progressive. I did mention the word leftist at the very beginning of this article. I think this is a good time to distinguish leftist from progressive. The simplest way to understand the difference between "leftist" and "progressive" is to look at their focuses and scopes. The term leftist typically describes individuals or groups advocating for radical changes in the structure of society and in the economy. It often includes a broad spectrum of ideologies, such as socialism, communism, and anarchism. Leftists tend to emphasize class struggle, anti-capitalism, and systemic change. In fact this is a great opportunity for me to challenge my acquaintances who say that they do not emphasize class struggle, who are not anti-capitalist and who do favor gradual systemic change. Maybe you're not a leftist after all. You could actually be a progressive or, God forbid, a Centrist Progressives and Centrists generally focus on reform within the current system to address social issues and promote fairness, justice, and equality. They advocate for incremental changes through legislation and policy improvements. Their goals often include social justice, environmental protection, and economic equality, but without necessarily dismantling the existing system. I've tried to fulfill my limited goals in this article of defining exactly what we mean by progressive and centrist. After all, if we're not really sure what we're talking about, then it's hard to make good arguments that are convincing and simply casting invectives. Trying to encapsulate all of the above as best I can, I would say that leftists often seek more radical, structural changes, while progressives favor gradual reforms within the existing framework. Remember that these are general trends and generalizations, and individuals within each group may hold diverse views. All in all, those who know me and understand my opinions are going to find me at the center, not as a progressive or a leftist. I am very comfortable with that. Some basic reference articles in this area "The Political Typology: In polarized era, deep divisions persist within coalitions of both Democrats and Republicans | Pew Research Center" "New study helps pinpoint the key differences between liberals and progressives in the United States" My recent relevant articles on related subjects Elitists Neocons Neolibs, Globalists and Narcissists, oh my. What are they, who are they, and why should I care? The Inevitability of Universal Bsic Income UBI for the Homeless & the Addicted - Bad idea or coming necessary? With my added comments in the context of a post-labor economy. The meaning of Woke. How Woke can we be? My personal credo My personal list of Red Flags🚩, Dog Whistles🛷, Buzzwords, Hot Button⏺️ words and meaningless caricatures that will drive toxic algorithms to heat and twist elections 🗳☑ and trigger hatred😡 on social media Keeping politics out of health Care