In announcing Rocky Anderson's endorsement of the Unified Platform last week, we made a distinction between what is called "progressive" today (by neoliberals who long ago fled their radical heritage in the ridiculous hope that a kinder, gentler politics might slow the march of fascism) and real Progressivism.

The years between 1892 and 1917 in this country were special. Now known as the Progressive Era, the period brought to fruition the calls of street demonstrators and new political parties for a more equitable society, amid the greed and corruption of robber barons whose companies raped the earth and expected workers to slave for them seven days a week. 

Worker discontent had been building for decades, as Wikipedia documents:

In August 1866, the National Labor Union at Baltimore passed a resolution that said, "The first and great necessity of the present to free labour of this country from capitalist slavery, is the passing of a law by which eight hours shall be the normal working day in all States of the American Union. We are resolved to put forth all our strength until this glorious result is achieved."

That resolve was vital: It would take more than 30 years for their "glorious result" to be achieved, with the United Mine Workers winning the eight hour-day in 1898. Other labor organizations soon consolidated the victory, and the eight-hour workday became the norm.

Workers' rights were but one victory of the Progressive Era, all of which are now at risk thanks to a corporate and military complex gone berserk - with the complicity and even the help of today's shameless "progressive" poseurs.

It is up to the people, therefore, to respond - loudly, together, and consistently - to win back these advances and make them not only permanent, but even stronger than they were before. 

Nothing happens without labor, and as Europe and China race, respectively, toward economic and environmental calamity, this is the time to remind the engineers of the global economy that offshoring our jobs won't protect their empires.

Like the proud American Progressives of 19th and early 20th centuries, we at the NPA are resolved to put forth all our strength until Progressivism and its unshakable commitment to fairness and equity for all people is again the standard by which our national policy - and our success as a nation - is judged.

Can you please help the all-volunteer NPA by donating your time, money, or by simply forwarding this email to the people you care about? In addition to advocating for third party efforts this year, we are building for November 7, 2012 and beyond. 

Because helping American workers win again is going to take resolve.

Yours in the struggle,

Anthony Noel

NPA Facilitator