From the Mind of a Progressive

by Gary Thompson

As the Caterpillar asked of Alice, “Who Are You?”

I am Gary Thompson, and I am a Progressive.

What is a Progressive? So, I Googled ‘progressive’ and I got a bunch of nonsense: ads, insurance company jargon… I’m not an insurance company.

Okay, I tried again using ‘political progressive,’ and up pops Wikipedia. Is it a source for a true research paper? No. Does it suit our purposes here? Yes.

Wikipedia, acting as a dictionary, tell us that: “Progressivism is the support for or advocacy of social reform. As a philosophy, it is based on the Idea of Progress, which asserts that advancements in science, technology, economic development, and social organization are vital to the improvement of the human condition.”

As a Progressive, I accept that definition. I have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in computer science. That puts me pretty solidly in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology) field.

I firmly believe that the Idea of Progress is a good thing. I strive for technology to improve the lives of people in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia, the United States and the world we live in. Who doesn’t?

I believe wholeheartedly in the Honor Code that WVU Parkersburg embraces. If you aren’t familiar with that Honor Code (it deserves capitalization), look at the syllabus from any class you have. If it’s not there, ask your instructor why.

I believe in economic development, I believe in social justice, and I strive every day, as does every one of my colleagues here at WVU Parkersburg, to improve the human condition.

This column represents my opinion. It is not the opinion of my colleagues, it is not the opinion of the college. It is mine. Direct your responses, in agreement or disagreement, to me. No one else.

In this column, you will read my opinions. You may agree, you may disagree, but if you are indifferent, you’re not engaged.

I look forward to hearing from you.