Progressives Declare San Francisco Unworthy of Progressivism
"Fine" say San Franciscans
Progressives suffered a major setback in San Francisco — of all places — on Tuesday. Voters there passed several propositions deemed non-progressive, including ones to strengthen the police, require drug screening for welfare recipients, and teach algebra in 8th grade (because algebra had been deemed racist — more on that later). In response, San Francisco Chronicle writers Joe Garofoli and Aldo Toledo wrote an article with this hilariously pathetic headline:
Oh no! Two Chronicle writers are no longer willing to anoint San Francisco with the coveted “progressive” label! They are withholding it, for San Francisco hath become a heathen city that has turned its back on The One True Faith! I think this is an absurd thing to write in the wake of voters kicking San Francisco-style progressivism1 in the balls as hard as the ballot would allow. Here are some headlines that I consider analogous:
Richard Dawkins makes it clear: He can no longer be considered a good Christian
St. Patrick makes it clear: Ireland can no longer be considered a friendly destination for snakes
Right-wing incel makes it clear: Taylor Swift no longer first-choice masturbatory option
The progressives in the Chronicle article demonstrate a stunning inability to address problems that San Franciscans care about. They repeatedly respond to concerns about crime, housing, and education with denialism and mealy mouthed platitudes. In my opinion, their non-responses typify a brand of short-sighted progressivism that only knows how to oppose things and treats effective solutions as an afterthought.