I had to chuckle at “Beware Progressive Technology” (“Our Readers’ Views,” March 6). The author decided to lambaste progressive ideology, citing the influences and successes of Carnegie, Astor, Rockefeller, and Ford as examples contrary to progressive notions. The thing is, those four American titans were progressives. And yes, some might even have worn the label of “robber baron” in business, because their businesses became monopolies and practiced unfair competition, offered slave wages and hours, controlled their markets and politicians.
In the end, though, when you purchase food that is safe; use medicines that are safe; visit a national park; work an 8-hour day, 40-hour week; drive on a national highway; rely on a medical practitioner’s knowledge and skill; purchase a home knowing that its plumbing and electricity will work and that it won’t fall over in a stout wind — well, you can thank progressive ideology. Because these little goodies we enjoy, from the Constitution and Bill of Rights to the Affordable Care Act and many more too numerous to list, are the result of Liberal Progressive Ideology.
I challenge readers to list up every law or action rooted in conservative philosophy that has moved our nation forward.
