Core values

Quoth velvetpage at this entry:

So, Liberals of my friends list – what are your values? What do you believe in, passionately, that sets you apart from people further right, especially the Religious Right?

She requested sound-bite style phrases. I decided to try to come up with my list, and here it is, in no particular order:

• Total separation of church and state – Build the wall higher and stronger.
• Equal access to health care for all.
• Fair taxation – richer citizens should actually pay proportional to their wealth.
• Protection of the earth for the sake of our grandchildren’s grandchildren.
• Freedom from government intrusion in matters of personal conscience – including reproductive and religious choice.
• Never another preemptive war. No more support for any nation that engages in preemptive war.
• Of the people, by the people, for the people – All of the people, not some narrow subset.
• We are a nation of immigrants, and should always offer that opportunity to any who would come.
• We are American, but we are, first and foremost, citizens of the Earth. All are our brethren. We do not stand alone.

Edit to add:

• Highest quality public education is an absolute necessity for the maintenance of a democracy.
• The rights conferred by the current definition of marriage should be available to all.

So now, here’s the challenge. You do the same. What are your values? How do your core values set you apart from others? Let’s see your sound bites. And if you aren’t self-identified as a liberal, I still want to know what your values are.

With thanks to lasarina, who helped in articulating several of mine.

Tags: politics, values