From the Ground Up: How Progressives Can Transform Arkansas Politics

As a progressive, I believe that politics should be about creating a better world for all people, not just the wealthy few. In Arkansas, we need progressive politics now more than ever. From fighting for women's rights to supporting small businesses and protecting civil liberties, there are so many issues that require a progressive approach. In this article, I will explore why Arkansas needs progressive politics, the values that underpin progressive policies, and how progressives can transform politics in our state.

Introduction to the Progressive Movement

The progressive movement is all about creating a fairer, more just society. Progressives believe that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or income level. We believe that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure that everyone has access to healthcare, education, and a living wage.

At the heart of progressive politics is a commitment to social justice and human rights. We believe that every person has inherent dignity and worth, and we fight to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. Whether fighting for immigrant rights or advocating for criminal justice reform, progressives are committed to creating a more equitable world.

Why Arkansas Needs Progressive Politics

Arkansas is a state with a rich history and a proud tradition of independence. However, in recent years, our state has been plagued by poverty, inequality, and political corruption. Our schools are underfunded, our healthcare system is broken, and our economy is struggling.

To address these challenges, we need a new approach to politics - one that is focused on creating real change for the people of Arkansas. We need leaders who are committed to putting people over profits and who will fight for policies that benefit all Arkansans, not just the wealthy few.

This is where progressive politics comes in. By advocating for policies like universal healthcare, a living wage, and affordable housing, progressives can help lift families out of poverty and create a more just society. In addition, progressive policies like criminal justice reform and immigrant rights can help ensure that everyone in our state is treated fairly and with respect.

The Values of Progressive Politics

Graphic by: Richard C. Box - University of Nebraska at Omaha: Into a New Regressive Era: Implications for Public Administration

At the core of progressive politics are a set of values that guide our actions and beliefs. These values include freedom, equal rights, and the importance of community.

Freedom is a fundamental value for progressives. We believe that every person should have the freedom to live their life without fear of discrimination or oppression. This means fighting for equal rights for all people, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Another core value of progressive politics is the belief in the importance of community. We know that we are stronger when we work together, and we believe everyone has a responsibility to help their fellow citizens. This means supporting policies like public education, affordable housing, and universal healthcare, which benefit everyone in our society.

Finally, progressives believe in the importance of "love thy neighbor". We know that we are all connected and that the well-being of one person is linked to the well-being of everyone in our community. This means fighting for policies that help lift up the most vulnerable members of our society and working to create a world where everyone can thrive.

The Importance of Progressive Leadership at the City Council and Quorum Court Level

While national politics often get the most attention, it's important to remember that real change often starts at the local level. This is why progressive leadership at the city council and Quorum Court level is so important.

By electing progressives to local office, we can ensure that our communities are being led by people who are committed to creating positive change. This means supporting policies like affordable housing, public transportation, and environmental protections, which benefit everyone in our community.

In addition, progressive leaders at the local level can help build bridges between different communities and work to create a more inclusive society. By focusing on issues like criminal justice reform and immigrant rights, local progressives can help ensure that everyone in our community is treated fairly and with dignity.

Fighting for Women's Right to Choose

One of the most important issues facing our state is the fight for women's right to choose. In recent years, Arkansas has seen a wave of restrictive abortion laws that threaten to roll back the progress we've made in ensuring reproductive rights for all women.

As progressives, we believe that every person has the right to control their own body and make their own healthcare decisions. This means fighting for policies like access to birth control, comprehensive sex education, and safe, legal abortion.

In addition, progressives must work to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing healthcare and education. We must fight to ensure that all women have access to the resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives.

Gun Laws and Public Safety

Another important issue facing our state is the need for sensible gun laws and increased public safety. Arkansas has some of the most permissive gun laws in the country, which has resulted in a significant number of gun-related deaths and injuries.

As progressives, we believe that we can protect the Second Amendment while also ensuring that our communities are safe. This means supporting policies like universal background checks, red flag laws, and restrictions on assault weapons. In addition, progressives must work to address the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty, inequality, and mental health issues. By supporting policies like affordable housing, healthcare, and education, we can help prevent gun violence before it happens.

Supporting Small Businesses and Putting People Over Profits

"Make the customer the hero of your story." — Ann Handley

In Arkansas, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. However, too often these businesses are forced to compete against large corporations that have unfair advantages.

As progressives, we believe that we must support small businesses and put people over profits. This means advocating for policies like a living wage, paid family leave, and affordable healthcare, which benefit both workers and small business owners.

In addition, progressives must work to ensure that all businesses are held accountable for their actions. This means supporting regulations that protect workers and consumers and fighting against corporate greed and corruption.

The Importance of Human Rights and Civil Liberties

Human rights and civil liberties are fundamental values for progressives. We believe that every person has the right to live their life with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and oppression.

To protect these values, progressives must work to ensure that everyone in our society is treated fairly and with respect. This means fighting against discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, and advocating for policies that promote equality and justice.

In addition, progressives must work to protect civil liberties like freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to privacy. We must be vigilant against any attempts to erode these fundamental rights and work to ensure that they are protected for all people.

Jesus was a Progressive Democrat - the Intersection of Faith and Politics

As a person of faith, I believe that Jesus was a progressive Democrat. He was a champion for the poor and the marginalized, and he fought against the injustices of his time. Jesus also stood up against the status quo religion of His time.

As progressives, we believe that we can honor our faith by advocating for policies that promote social justice and human rights. This means fighting against inequality and discrimination and working to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. - Mathew 25

In addition, progressives must work to build bridges between different communities and to create a more inclusive society. By focusing on issues like criminal justice reform and immigrant rights, we can help ensure that everyone in our community is treated fairly and with dignity.

Progressives in the Statehouse, Governor's Mansion, Congress, and the Presidency

To truly transform politics in Arkansas, we need progressives at every level of government. This means electing progressive candidates to the statehouse, governor's mansion, Congress, and the Presidency.

By electing progressives to these positions, we can ensure that our government is working for the people, not just the wealthy few. We can advocate for policies like universal healthcare, a living wage, and affordable housing, and work to create a more just and equitable society.

In addition, progressive leaders at the national level can help Arkansas address some of our most pressing challenges, like climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality. By working together, we can create a better world for all people.

The World Around You - How Progressive Policies Impact Global Issues

While we often focus on the issues facing our own communities, it's important to remember that progressive policies can have a global impact. By advocating for policies like climate change mitigation, human rights, and economic justice, we can help create a more just and sustainable world.

In addition, we must work to build bridges with other countries and cultures and promote peace and understanding. By recognizing our shared humanity and working together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Separation of Church and State - Protecting Religious Freedom for All

Finally, progressives believe in the importance of the separation of church and state. We believe that everyone has the right to practice their own religion, or no religion at all, without fear of discrimination or persecution.

To protect religious freedom for all, we must ensure that our government is not promoting any particular religion or ideology. We must work to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their beliefs. In addition, progressives must work to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding and to build bridges between different communities. By recognizing our shared humanity and working together, we can create a more just and peaceful world.

You can find out more about Separation of Church and State here: https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/885/establishment-clause-separation-of-church-and-state

Conclusion - The Future of Progressive Politics in Arkansas

In conclusion, Arkansas needs progressive politics now more than ever. By advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of all people, we can create a more just and equitable society.

Whether it's fighting for women's right to choose, supporting small businesses, or advocating for criminal justice reform, progressives can make a real difference in our state. By electing progressive leaders at every level of government, we can create a better world for all people.

So let's work together and build a more just and equitable Arkansas for all. Together, we can transform politics from the ground up and create a better future for generations to come.

CTA: If you're interested in getting involved in progressive politics in Arkansas, check out Progress Arkansas or Arkansas for Change. If you live in Pope County like I do, Pope County Dems need your help... Together, we can make a difference!