The Left’s Vision vs. America’s Founding Principles

1. In the early 20th century a group of intellectuals known as progressives rejected the founding principles [of America].
2. In response to the challenges of industrialization and urbanization, progressives sought to transform society.
3. Progressivism denies the possibility of self-evident eternal truths.
4. Progressivism also denies the limits on government and sees separation of powers as an obstacle to reform.
5. Because of their rejection of the declaration, progressives understand a right as something government grants to a citizen, rather than something a citizen has by nature, which government protects.
6. In order to increase their power to remake society, progressives have tried to undermine private associations in which morality is shaped, and used schools for this end.
7. Progressives have promoted the idea of a “living” Constitution, a doctrine that strips the document of any original meaning and allows it to be interpreted in any way a judge sees fit.

Source: We Still Hold These Truth. A Leader’s Guide. (2010) by The Heritage Foundation.