As the country considers perhaps slowing the expanding separation between the hard right and the hard left, HBO’s “Real Time” host Bill Maher made it clear that America is actually making strides on racial and social fronts.

He used his final editorial segment on Friday to underscore just how much better the country has become; how much progress has really been made.

Maher, who has been exasperated by the slow-moving reopening in his state, California, attacked those who continue to lament the racism and gay-bashing across the nation.

Under the banner “progressophobia,” a term he defined as “a brain disorder that strikes liberals and makes them incapable of recognizing progress,” Maher provided a few points to ponder.

  • “If you think America is more racist now than ever, more sexist than before women could vote and more homophobic than when b—j–s were a felony, you have ‘progressophobia’ and should adjust your mask because it’s covering your eyes.” 
  • “The chant from gay protesters used to be ‘We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it.’ Well, we did. This is Pride month and it’s not even a big deal anymore. Thirty days of parades and festivals celebrating a cause that was once so divisive, Ellen had to pretend to be straight.”

Maher added that “even half of Republicans” now support it, adding that the progress has moved into other previously untouchable areas, too: “Not that long ago, I knew people who went to prison for growing pot. And today, you can legally smoke it for fun in 43% of the country.”

Maher in April also called out the media for its consistent negative slant throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

On Friday, he wrapped with: “It’s not a sin, and it’s certainly not inaccurate, to say we’ve come a long way, baby. Not mission accomplished, just a long way.”

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