For instance, progressives in the United States tend to be in favor of ending the drug war, or at the very least legalizing marijuana, on the grounds that the current regime hurts people unnecessarily.

By that logic does the fact that they favor more regulation of tobacco count as wanting to hurt the "right" people?

Also they favor making the "rich" pay their "fair share", eliminating due process for men accused of rape, etc., because the rich and college men need to be punished for their "privilege".