Many folks in Alabama find themselves scratching their heads as they try to figure out why people perennially vote against their own best interests, why many don’t vote at all, and why it always appears to be a contrived choice between the lesser of two evils.

There are a myriad of factors influencing this paradigm including fear, apathy, deliberately misleading rhetoric, and a common propensity to oversimplify complex issues into false antinomies.

As extreme partisanship flourishes, the “middle ground of viable solutions” seems to become an elusive mirage in our modern political landscape. But as Alabama struggles to increase its prosperity, to improve the quality of its public education and to embrace the promise of equality, voters should eschew partisan rhetoric and look closely at how Progressive Democrats can realistically move Alabama forward.

Progressivism is not some pie-in-the-sky, ultra-liberal ideology, but rather a pragmatic set of principles distilled into specific legislation that has promoted economic fairness, innovation and equal opportunity. Nationally, Progressives have supported “

The Export American Products, Not American Jobs Act,” “The Corporate Responsibility Act,” and other laws that level the playing field for working-class Americans.

Alabama, since its inception, has been prey to an onslaught of regressive ideas and policies that have been implemented by Dixiecrats, Republicans and now The Tea Party. The framers of Alabama’s 1901 Constitution exacerbated the situation by creating a framework that has enshrined regressive tax policy and promoted inequality. Today, Alabama needs Progressive Democrats who will stand up for a fair tax code, improve the effectiveness of public education and guarantee equality for all residents.

A Progressive Democrat would understand why corporate welfare and tax “give-aways” under the guise of “job creation” is nothing more than a scheme that benefits the rich. A Progressive Democrat would recognize that public education needs adequate funding, common core standards and intelligent local reform. Further, a Progressive Democrat would understand the need for open public meetings and ensure that government agencies, like the Alabama Public Service Commission, are held accountable.

Progressives understand the importance of environmental conservation, but don’t believe that preserving the environment and entrepreneurial capitalism are mutually exclusive endeavors. Most importantly, Progressives believe that government can be highly effective in ensuring that fairness and justice are the rule for average people, not an unusual exception or the exclusive privilege of those who can afford expensive lawyers.

Alabama

must let go of its unhealthy fear of change and embrace growth and progress. Instead of trying to cling to a conservative fantasy that life was somehow better way back then, progressives plan for a brighter future that ensures equal opportunities for all people.

The problem with Alabama’s Republican Supermajority and governor is that they have demonstrated that they reject progress in favor of a regressive status-quo that simply favors the wealthiest and institutionalizes cronyism. They perpetuate inequality and run from accountability. They view virtually any social service or program as a handout to moochers or the undeserving. Their ideology is nothing more than a blatant disregard for the social contract of government.

The people of Alabama have had enough embarrassments and enough misrepresentation.

The Progressive agenda is about creating jobs and improving education. It is an agenda that asks the wealthiest to pay their fair share. Progressives demand that the rules apply to everyone and that the game isn’t rigged so that only a few folks can win.

Alabama

can keep trying the same old thing and can keep getting the same poor results. Or Alabama can vote for progress. A change is overdue and sorely needed.

Alabama

needs more Progressive Democrats because they have real solutions instead of slick, angry speeches.

Clete Wetli is head of the Madison County Democratic Party, and volunteer community blogger for AL.com.