A television documentary on Minnesota’s progressive Republican tradition will air Dec. 20 on TPT-Channel 17.
It’s obviously a history project.
You wouldn’t lump the current state Republican administration into the progressive camp, so they’re talking more about the likes of former Govs. Al Quie and Arne Carlson, as well as retiring Congressman Jim Ramstad.
The show, called “Minnesota’s Progressive Republicans,” was co-produced by Growth & Justice — the economic policy group headed by former Strib and Pioneer Press reporter Dane Smith (and founded by Minnpost Editor and CEO Joel Kramer). Twin Cities Public Television is the other producer.
In a press release, Smith says: “Minnesota’s high quality of life can be attributed to a number of complex and interconnected historical factors – including the influence of political parties in the state. While many of Minnesota’s best-known political figures have been liberal champions, such as vice presidents Hubert H. Humphrey and Walter Mondale, the state also has a strong progressive Republican tradition that has contributed to our success.”
The show airs at 8 p.m. Dec. 20 on TPT-Channel 17 on broadcast and cable and satellite systems, or channel 13 on Comcast in Minneapolis.
The timing — just before the deficit-facing legislative session — can’t be coincidental.
“Both Govs. Quie and Carlson described themselves as fiscal conservatives but they increased taxes to address budget crises and to get the state back on track,” Smith said. “In light of the state’s projected budget deficit and Minnesota’s drop in numerous rankings that represent our quality of life, I hope current Republican leaders will look to leaders of years past for guidance during this difficult time.”
The operative word in “progressive Republican” is “progressive.” “Republican” is the set of principles the “progressive Republican” no longer holds. He is in essence a “progressive” shunning the Republican principles of individual sovereignty, rule of law and private property, preferring to use the police power of the state for the collective good of the people at the expense of the inalienable rights of the person.
The irony of Growth & Justice collaboration with “Public” Television notwithstanding, “progressive Republican” is a chimerical fiction. So is “progressive Democrat.” One believes in constitutionally limited government — in individual economic liberty and personal liberty protected by the rule of law — or one does not.
A Pioneer Press debate between Dane Smith and I is posted here: http://is.gd/bal2 .
In a MinnPost article, I comment on the G&I symposium on the topic here: http://is.gd/balu.
My error. Correct URL for MinnPost commentary on “Progressive Republicanism is here: http://www.minnpost.com/craigwestover/2008/09/04/3369/progressive_republicans_and_ron_paul
Pioneer Press debate with Dane Smith is here: http://www.mnfreemarketinstitute.org/policy-areas/limited-government.html?start=5