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There Is No Right Side of History
Members of the 110th Congress take the oath of office on January 4, 2007. (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
I’m a political progressive. The idea that “history” is on our side—which we’re sure to hear during this 118th Congress—is a dangerous myth.
By William Deresiewicz
01.02.23 — U.S. Politics
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Tomorrow marks the start of the 118th Congress. As political discourse resumes, the phrase we’re likely to hear is that staple of progressive rhetoric: “the right side of history.” We will be told that this is where progressives are, and anyone who disagrees with them is on the wrong side—backwards, obsolescent, headed for the dustbin.

The phrase embodie…

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William Deresiewicz
William Deresiewicz is the author of five books including Excellent Sheep, The Death of the Artist, and A Jane Austen Education. His most recent book is The End of Solitude: Selected Essays on Culture and Society.
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