What is a Progressive? The Opposite of a Regressive

Progressive: 1.) Happening or developing gradually in stages; proceeding step by step.

As opposed to a knee-jerk reaction that's based more on gut than a rational progression of ideas followed by actions. In other words, thinking before you do something. This is not just preferable, but absolutely essential for an effective leader. Here's an example: Starting a war with a muslim nation of 50 million with little more of a plan than "shock and awe" is not progressive thinking. This is action followed by thinking. Literally shooting first and asking questions later. I call this the "John Wayne" theory of foreign policy.

Progressive: 2.) -(of a group, person, or idea) favoring of implementing social reform, or new liberal ideas.
-Favoring or promoting change or innovation

This is the opposite of conservative, which tries to cling to the aspirations and ideas of the past and resist change and innovation. As for example, a change in our energy policy. Self policing and voluntary compliance to pollution standards by energy companies is not PROGRESSIVE in solving our pollution problem or addiction to fossil fuels, but rather is REGRESSIVE, and makes these problems worse. The Bush administration is undoing progress we've made in the past 30 years. The Kyoto Treaty is an example of the global community pursuing a PROGRESSIVE solution to global warming. Analyzing a problem and implementing solutions is a logical way to plan for the future. Clinging to the past and lining the pockets of billionaires in the energy industry works against the problem at hand.

Progressive: 3.) Relating or denoting a style of rock music popular esp. in the 1980's and characterized by classical influences, the use of keyboard instruments, and lengthy compositions.

As opposed to REGRESSIVE music which features people who have little talent but lots of sex appeal, the use of drum machines, or following trends instead of embracing creativity.

Although I am currently unaware of Dennis Kucinich's musical tastes, I do know that he fits the other definitions of a progressive quite well. The political climate of this nation tends to act like a pendulum. America "elected" an extreme right-wing President, so it is conceivable a less extreme far-left candidate like Kucinich could win. He's certainly an underdog, but so was Bush in 2000. Americans are starting to pursue progressive ways of life such as alternative energy, organic foods, and independent media. It's only a matter of time that so called centrist candidates begin to adopt the progressive principles people like Kucinich already advocate. His biggest obstacle may be that he's so far ahead of the curve, mainstream America may not have caught up with him yet. It's my belief that in five to ten years progressive liberals will be representing mainstream America. I hope America surprises me and catches up sooner rather than later.