A conservative looks to the lessons of the past, human proclivities, failed experiments, etc. and seeks to make things work in a known, proven way.
A progressive looks to the future, and believes that the past (and the present) is merely a place from which to progress, and that human nature can be changed by the power of government.
That list of the 36, 50 most loathsome Americans includes Carrie Prejean though, clearly a dangerous character. Can the Union survive her?
"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot
strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring on
prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner
up by pulling the wage payer down." Abraham Lincoln