To Jargon and Beyond

Why does the political establishment insist on referring to itself as ‘progressive’? The Coalition pursue ‘progressive’ policies. Labour is the only ‘progressive’ party left in British politics. The SNP want to join a ‘progressive’ alliance to stop the (presumably) non-progressive Conservatives. The whole idea of ‘progressive’ politics is faintly amusing really. For instance, if the Coalition is ‘progressive’ what exactly is it progressing toward? Electoral oblivion it is to be hoped. And if Nick Clegg is really progressive does this mean Lord Pearson is regressive? Or perhaps we are standing on the platform as the Coalition’s bullet train of progress speeds toward ‘New Politics’?

The point is that the whole idea of progressive politics, like so much else which is birthed in Westminster, means nothing. A sound bite. Meaningless jargon which sounds quite nice. So, dear reader, the next time ‘progressive politics’ is mentioned ask the speaker what s/he what they actually mean by that phrase. Chances are the speaker will resort to the last refuge of the struggling politician condescending jargon-speak.