"The reactionary is always willing to take a progressive attitude on any issue that is dead"

This quote by Theodore Roosevelt is a commentary on the nature of reactionary politics. It suggests that those who are reactionary in their views are frequently happy to take a progressive stance on concerns that are no longer pertinent or have been resolved. This could be analyzed as a criticism of reactionary politics, as it indicates that those who are reactionary are not going to take a stance on problems that are still appropriate and essential. It might also be analyzed as a criticism of progressive politics, as it implies that those who are progressive are not ready to take a stance on problems that are no longer appropriate. Eventually, this quote recommends that reactionary and progressive politics are both limited in their ability to deal with present problems.