The Oxford English dictionary defines progressivism as “advocacy of progress, reform, change or innovation.” I think all of us can agree that these efforts are vital to our society if it is to succeed as time and circumstance proceed and change. Sen. Muzall’s (“The problem with Progressivism,” Feb. 7, Weekly New) characterization of progressivism is in most part purposely crafted to obscure and demonize those citizens that are attempting to identify and correct the social problems facing our country today.

Progressives don’t seek to cast off the valuable lessons of the past but rather to embrace them and use them as a foundation to improve the lives of every member of society. Conversely, progressives do not want to keep making the same costly mistakes or to maintain outdated policies that, at least in part, have failed to promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Please listen. There is little doubt that most Washingtonians agree behavioral health and substance abuse are major problems for us all; however the reality is that these are also national problems manifesting themselves in all 50 states, not just Washington. The fact is there are many states run by conservatives that are in no better shape than we are. Some are in markedly worse situations.

The only way forward to resolve these social maladies is for everyone involved to work together. This becomes difficult when some of the participants paint a whole group of citizens with such a broad brush of negativity that it creates unnecessary divisiveness.

Not all policies work for all the people all the time in all the states. However, we have to do the best we can within the democratically created political structure of Washington. This is where true constructive dialogue becomes critical. Or, one could move to Tennessee instead.

Jack Jones

La Conner