This is an accessible book that delineates how progressives and the progressive movement have created the American idea and ideals, and forged the kind of country in which we want to live. It creates a platform from which to argue that progressives today are fighting to improve America, in contrast to how conservatives have always worked to defend the interests of elites.Each chapter will tell the reader a story focusing on different subjects, such as efforts to enact civil-rights laws, Social Security, the middle class, how the idea of America changed the world, and why most of us can vote.
Lux points out what he feels the Democrats have done wrong during the last decades and how the lessons of history can point toward positive changes. Lux shows how the progressives have been instrumental in creating big, positive change moments, and argues that the time is ripe for a big change moment. He outlines how he believes progressive policies can be channeled to solve the big problems facing us today.