I think your view of the founders and the documents that established this nation is aspirational instead of actual. The “vision of the founders” was to protect the rights of land-owning white males; the Constitution, the Electoral College, and the way representation is determined was all a compromise to allow for slavery, not rid the country of it.

The elimination of the International Slave Trade was not a move toward the gradual elimination of slavery but a method to increase the value of domestic-bred slaves. America met its demand for slaves, which was increasing then, by forced breeding, including rape. These are the founders, who I can’t recognize by your view of them.

MLK dreamed of what America could be but spent his life opposed by the majority for wanting equality. He only became beloved after his death. John Lewis spent his adult life fighting for voting rights. When he died, people rushed to honor the man while at the same time voting to reject his goal.

It’s interesting you see “progressives” as those willing to have the majority force its views on the minority. What is preferred by some is that the minority imposes its views on the majority, what can be taught, who can love who, and can women control their bodies. Republicans cry freedom but want the other thing.

You are rightfully mindful of the ability of the government to impose its will on the public. Without the government, wouldn’t we still have segregated schools (we actually still do, but that’s another discussion), would there be any restrictions on child labor, would there be safety rules in the workplace? You might object to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security but would the country really be better without them? Keep in mind that those who cry for freedom also seek to use the government to impose their will. Parental freedom, as applied, “Don’t say Gay,” and so much more, has nothing to do with freedom; it’s all about control.

You invoke MLK, but I suspect you don’t fully appreciate his struggle and only know him by a couple of quotes. Here’s one you didn’t mention, “A riot is the language of the unheard.”

Labeling those you disagree with as “progressive liberals” gives you an excuse to dismiss them and not engage to see where you might find common ground. You later expanded your criticism to Democrats so you can also dismiss them. You might object to all Republicans being called racists, which isn’t true. It is true that Republicans willfully work alongside racists, white supremacists, NeoNazis, and more to obtain their goals. The bottom line is, before you criticize others for differing beliefs, clean up your own house.