How Progressive are you?

Are you Udall Progressive, Gallego Progressive or Grijalva Progressive?

I interviewed myself and walked out twice in disgust. Here’s the interview.

We recently read where Senator Gallego no longer calls himself a “Progressive”. He calls himself a “Pragmatic”.

Being a progressive is the pragmatic choice for me.

How so?

I think I’m simply rational.

Oh, really?

Really. Progressivism is a rational political philosophy born out of reason, often it is a response to the excesses of unregulated capitalism. The late Raul Grijalva, my hero, was Arizona’s Progressive voice forever. And I might add Arizona has many more substantive liberal political commentators out there to read than me, thinkers who are more substantive than me. Blake Morlock. Tim Stellar. Jim Nintzel. Laurie Roberts. Mort Rosenblum. Serious writers who cover issues like our border, city hall or legislature with depth. Writers who interview the Arizona’s political powerhouses. While all the time wearing oxygen masks, carrying idiot repellent and struggling not to laugh.

What about the Party?

I’m a Democrat. We have young leaders in the State Democrat Party who are magnificent. Experienced. Competent. Pass the torch already!

Are you a Udall Progressive, a Gallego Pragmatic or Grijalva Progressive?

Uh huh, si and Yes.

You won best column in the state a few times.

When I worked for the Star. For sentimental pieces. In contrast, what I produce now on a weekly basis is a mix of social satire, rants, political satire and in one word: piffle.

Drivel?

No. Piffle. Fun to write. Nonsense. A pleasure. Something between Andy Borowitz and Molly Ivins.

You prefer satire?

A left hook out of nowhere is more effective than a weak right jab up the middle. Sometimes we need a topical relief from all the same old Trump commentary; sometimes it’s a rant or other times it’s just a walk in the desert sorting out the serious stuff from the ephemeral tumbleweeds.

Why a “Satirical Voice”?

I am not a directly confrontational guy. More of a weasel by habit. I wanted to alert readers about the perspective they were about to consume. It’s a warning label. I was done with angry letters to the editor from “shocked” and “surprised” readers. (Those were mostly from my mom. She had distinctive handwriting. Only person I knew who spelled “kill” with three “l”s.)

I was done with explaining myself to angry critics. I was at a point in my life where I wanted to write unquestioned, uncensored, unedited progressive satirical opinion. Substack was the answer. It’s free. Don’t like it? Don’t subscribe. If you like it consider donating.

Sounds arrogant, pal.

Nah. Just weary of years of being polite to human brick walls who wanted to “dialogue” with me. No time left for such a foolish squandering of precious hours on futile sparring.

You're not that progressive and you're pretty inconsistent.

And you are pretty annoying. Leave a comment.

You don’t read ‘em.

Every single one. I’ve got the time. I’m retired. I love my readers.