Deluded progressives

It may be that Scott Morrison’s election victory was because of his cultural values. It certainly seems that Morrison was aware of these values and in touch with the reality of the populace (“Morrison’s battle of moral politics”, 21/12).

Too often, people inhabit a social bubble that ignores those espousing different views with different values. This can be electoral suicide, as Labor discovered.

Unconsciously, perhaps so-called progressives seem unable to understand or appreciate the morality of ordinary people, but are deluded by their self-righteousness confirmed by the bubble enveloping them. It was refreshing that Paul Kelly referred to the political battle as one between conservatives and progressives, not as right versus left. The irony of this parlance is that some progressive policies would inhibit opportunity and social mobility, retarding the progress of ordinary people.

On the other hand, conservatism seems to inspire a more libertarian and democratic sense of fairness and equity for the benefit of most people.

In response to this letter, Gabrielle Baker, Carina, Queensland, opined on 24/14:

“Pauline (she didn’t get the spelling right) Pogorelske (Letters, 23/12). I am at a loss to understand the word “progressives” in the context of left-leaning supporters. Being anti-jobs, anti-coal/nuclear, anti-logical energy solutions, anti-border security, anti-tax reform and socking it to the retirees and “big end of town” does not seem very progressive at all.

Given the thumbs up to the right/conservative values in Australia, the US and the UK, maybe “progressives” should concede opportunity and aspiration are held in higher esteem that redistribution and state power.

Labor’s Emerson-Weatherill report could have been put together by 10pm on the night of the 2019 federal election. They lost the blue-collar and seniors vote, pure and simple.”

It seems that while she criticises my notion of not using left versus right jargon, she misses my point entirely about progressives as she opines similarly to me about opportunity and aspiration. It is disappointing that she labels right/conservatives as one and the same and also all progressives as left-leaning. She didn’t seem to appreciate my use of the word “irony” and maybe thought I was being sarcastic about conservatives.

I wasn’t, and I can only ponder if other readers misinterpreted my view. But in my letter to The Australian the week before, I had already mentioned Labor losing traditional working-class voters. Perhaps Carina is near the Adani mine site which could help explain her comments; I’m not sure.

A different perspective on Baker’s letter:

Shortly after including my understanding of Baker’s response, a good friend of mine imparted that this understanding was incorrect as she was basically agreeing with me. All I could reply was that I am so used to being attacked for my understanding and beliefs, I couldn’t appreciate her agreement. Glad I was wrong!