I have been a progressive since 1966. it's a political term that has more to do with basing government decisions on practical considerations and technology than it has to do with liberalism.

In the US, progressivism and liberalism are mixed. I'm not an adherent of liberalism (or conservatism).

You were the one that said that when people spoke about the government, they meant politicians. I think you need to take a good look at what the word 'government' means. Bear in mind, that I write from a univeresal point of view - not an American one. All countries have governments.