The Long Game of Progress: Why La Follette’s Grit Matters More Than Ever
A staggering 67% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track, and disillusionment with the political process is reaching fever pitch. The return of Donald Trump to the political stage has only deepened this sense of frustration for many, while simultaneously galvanizing his base. But history offers a potent antidote to despair: the enduring legacy of Robert M. La Follette, a progressive champion who understood that meaningful change isn’t a sprint, but a relentless marathon.
Echoes of the Gilded Age: Then and Now
La Follette rose to prominence during the Gilded Age, a period eerily reminiscent of our own. Unfettered capitalism, vast wealth inequality, and the undue influence of powerful corporations defined the era. As historian Nancy Unger details in her biography, Fighting Bob La Follette, the fundamental question of the time – “Which shall rule—wealth or man?” – remains strikingly relevant today. The concentration of wealth and political power in the hands of a few, coupled with a perceived lack of accountability, fueled the progressive movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it’s a pattern we’re witnessing again.
The Allure of Quick Fixes and the Pitfalls of Complacency
It’s tempting to seek immediate solutions, to demand instant gratification from the political system. But La Follette’s career demonstrates the futility of this approach. His early bids for Wisconsin’s governorship were thwarted by corruption – by the very forces he sought to dismantle. He didn’t abandon the fight; he doubled down, promising to eliminate the influence of political bosses and enact direct nomination of candidates. This commitment to systemic change, rather than superficial fixes, ultimately propelled him to victory.
La Follette’s Blueprint for Persistent Progress
Once in power, La Follette didn’t shy away from confronting powerful interests. He took on railroads, utilities, and lobbyists, pioneering reforms that prioritized the public good over private profit. His administration implemented civil service reform, strengthened environmental protections, and overhauled the tax system to ensure greater equity. These weren’t isolated victories; they were interconnected pieces of a larger strategy to redistribute wealth and power. He understood that true progress required a multi-faceted approach, tackling corruption, economic injustice, and environmental degradation simultaneously.
Beyond Wisconsin: A National Impact
La Follette’s influence extended far beyond Wisconsin. His initiatives served as a model for progressive governors across the nation, and he played a crucial role in securing the passage of the 16th and 17th Amendments – establishing a federal income tax and providing for the direct election of senators, respectively. These reforms, while hard-fought, fundamentally altered the relationship between the government and the people, making the political system more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens. His advocacy for the Seaman’s Act, prompted by the Titanic disaster, further underscored his commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
The Courage to Stand Against the Tide
Perhaps La Follette’s most controversial act was his opposition to U.S. entry into World War I. He warned that war would serve the interests of the wealthy while diverting attention from pressing domestic issues. This stance earned him widespread condemnation, but he remained steadfast in his convictions, even as it cost him political support. His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, to prioritize principle over popularity, is a lesson that resonates deeply today. As La Follette himself observed, “tyranny and oppression are just as possible under democratic forms [of government] as any other.”
Navigating the Current Political Landscape
Today, progressives face a similar dilemma. The resurgence of populist nationalism and the erosion of democratic norms demand a renewed commitment to the principles that guided La Follette. This means resisting the temptation to compromise on core values, challenging the influence of money in politics, and building broad-based coalitions to advocate for systemic change. It also means recognizing that setbacks are inevitable, and that progress requires sustained effort over the long haul. The Brennan Center for Justice offers valuable resources on protecting voting rights and combating political corruption, areas where La Follette’s legacy remains particularly relevant. [Brennan Center for Justice]
La Follette understood that democracy is not a static achievement, but a continuous struggle. His life’s work serves as a powerful reminder that achieving a more just and equitable society requires not only immediate action, but also unwavering patience and a steadfast commitment to the principles of progressive reform. The fight for a better future is an unending one, and it’s a fight we must all engage in, relentlessly and with hope.
What strategies do you believe are most crucial for building a more resilient and equitable democracy in the face of current challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
