We think progressives hold a common set of values—not just vague ones like “freedom” and “equality,” but concrete values that make us different from those on the other side. And, we think that part of our problem over the past twenty years is that we haven’t done a very good job of articulating those values.
The right wing is very good at talking about values. They say “family values” and everyone knows what they mean (keeping women tethered to the kitchen and gays locked out of the house). They talk about limited government and we all know that means tax cuts for the rich and free reign for polluters and other corporate crooks.
It’s time we progressives talk a little less about policy and a little more about our values. We’ve got broader themes that hold together our worldviews as well. They don’t have a monopoly on morals—and we’ll take our values over theirs any day.
Community
A central progressive value is that we’re all in this together. We believe that we’re all better off when we work collectively to solve big problems. We respect individual liberties, but don’t think that means it always makes sense to go it alone.
Fairness
Progressives take fairness seriously. This means everything from opposing arbitrary discrimination and fighting for real equal opportunity to making polluters pay for the damage they inflict on our environment and promoting economic policies that ensure everyone pays the true cost of their lifestyle choices.
Security
Security is different for progressives than for neoconservatives. Sure, we want to be safe from terrorists. But we also want a safer world for everyone. And, we want the basic safety nets that allow us to pursue our dreams without constantly worrying about whether we can afford to take our kids to the doctor.
Sustainability
From protecting our environment and tempering consumption and development to building an economy based on real value rather than irrational bubbles, progressives pursue long-term viability over short term gain.
What are your progressive values?
Community, fairness, security, and sustainability are just the beginning. Together, we can build our list of common values so it’s clear to all Americans that we have a coherent vision, not just a random mix of policy preferences.
