2005.01.29
Devising Four Pillars for the Future
Conservatives have outlined what I’ve heard is called their four pillars: low taxes, small government, strong defense, and traditional values. These are simple, concrete sounding yet open to interpretation, and can be used like salt and pepper in any speaking engagement of any kind. I am learning that liberals do not have such a nice, neat system of pillars in place. There have been many befuddling attempts, and it’s my intent to contribute to this confusion.
Without attempting to define what it means to be liberal, let me step through the process of creating my own four pillars. For those of you too lazy to read the whole article just wait a few days and I’ll post my conclusions. In the meantime understand this is a brainstorm, not a clearly outlined agenda.
If I can come up with a series of simple, two word seasoning then likely it will be good enough for others to cook with. First, it’s important to define a few things in very broad strokes that are important to me. The following (and all lists on this page) are in alphabetical order so you don’t think I am prioritizing.
the American Dream. If you work hard and play by the rules then you will gain success for yourself, prosperity for your family, and betterment of your community for generations to come.
Broad Opportunity. This means that regardless of what station in life you are born into, the opportunity to become whatever you want, earn what you want, and do what you like should not be hindered based on race, religion, creed, gender, etc. This requires a quality education system, general health, civil rights, and the freedom of your pursuit of happiness.
Choice. Choice is about letting you live your life your way. Choice is about the government letting you. Choice is about options.
Civil Rights. I think equality for all citizens is paramount. We don’t officially have a right to privacy; I think we should. This addresses equal opportunity (and not the quota system, which is bullocks), too.
Commitment to the Future. This means that unless there is a future in it, don’t do it. We do not own this world we live in, it is on loan from our children and their children. As I learned in the Boy Scouts, leave a place better than you left it. Our future depends on what we do now, and what we are doing now will affect generations to come. Let’s not muck it up.
Community. Though we often think of America as a country of individuals who stand or fall on our own, the truth is that no one is an island. Communities are required for mutual support, education, municipal services, and other essential living conditions. It is a common misconception that we don’t need each other but this is false; someone employs you, someone stocks shops you buy things in, someone is paving the roads you drive on, someone is making sure your children are educated, etc. It is not a bad thing to work alone, but we accomplish far more when we work together.
Economic Growth. This requires the government to work with the private sector and the private sector to work with government instead of trying to buy them. It requires government to try to do what is best for the interests of the private sector at home and it requires the private sector to be responsible to those the government represents: the People. See also Separation of Business and State.
Education. We cannot be world and economic leaders, innovators in technology and science, and culturally vibrant if we are a pack of raving idiots. I think this should be obvious. I think it should be equally obvious that it’s better if everyone is more educated than less.
Energy Independence. There are many good reasons for this. A homegrown energy supply alleviates dependence on an unstable region of the world. The technology involved would have to be developed which will push American industries forward.
Environment. This, honestly, isn’t a huge one for me but I do recognize that if pollution isn’t brought under control the shit will hit the fan eventually. I would also like for future Americans to be able to enjoy nature as I did and sometimes still do.
Foreign Policy. I think we can do a lot to help the rest of the world. I also recognize we are not perfect and can learn from others. I think we need to invest in our soft power to achieve world stability and progress American interests. See Military Strength and Moral Strength.
Intellectual Property. Our copyright and patent systems are becoming a disaster and has the potential of strangling innovation and eventually our economy.
Merit. Systems that place preferences because of financial or family connections should not be encouraged. It may be who you know, but it should be what you know and can do that ultimately determines your station in life.
Military Strength. At the same time I also recognize we must maintain and upgrade our hard power. This does not mean more spending, by the way, it just means smarter investment. See Foreign Policy and Moral Strength.
Moral Strength. In addition to soft power and hard power we have to have the moral and ethical framework to work within. It has to be clear to Americans and the world where we stand and what we stand for. This also addresses the idea that liberals somehow lack moral values, a false premise that conservatives have exploited. Also see Foreign Policy and Military Strength.
The Right Thing. Instead of the attitude of, “My country, right or wrong,” how about, “My country will do the right thing.” It’s hard but it is, after all, Right.
Separation of Business and State. Another two way street. Government works best without big money pouring in trying to influence votes, and business does better with less regulation when appropriate. See Economic Growth.
Separation of Church and State. I think it is in the interest of both parties to be separate. We are not a theocracy, nor should we pretend to be. Religion is and should be a private matter. This is not to say that as individuals we are not strongly influenced by our belief; it is a recognition that we are a pluralist society in a pluralist world.
Social Certainty. We are only as good as our worst member of society. Yes, we have achieved great things, but so long as a member of our society is poor, hungry, and sick then our boasting of scientific achievement, economic power, and political prowess are hollow. It’s important for each of us to believe that regardless of what we think and believe that we are all still Americans, we are all united in common purposes, and we all have common ground we stand upon which prevents society from flying apart.
States Rights. Too often the Federal government shoulders the burden of something that really is better handled and/or regulated by States, either by organization or by demographics. It’s time to reevaluate certain policy decisions at the Federal level and allow States more self regulation.
Strong National Defense. By this I do not mean blithely going to other countries and pounding them into submission. I mean that our military deserves better gear, better training, better benefits, better organization, and better direction/policy. With this in place we can reduce the physical numbers of our military and maintain its budget instead of steadily increasing it.
These are just some broad generalities and do not by any means encompass everything I believe, but it’s a start. The next step I’ll take is to make a number of phrases based on some of these ideas, mix them up, steal a few that appeal to me, and look them all over.
Abolishment of Poverty and Hunger.
America First.
Better Life for All.
Commitment to the Future.
Economic Power.
Empowering People to be Self Sufficient.
Equal Justice under Law.
Fairness and Responsibility.
Freedom, Today and Tomorrow.
Government by the People, for the People.
Helping Others, Helping Self. (Do unto others…).
Investing in the Future.
Leadership by Example.
Liberty, Brotherhood, and Equality. (To steal from the French).
Liberty and Justice for All.
Promoting the Democratic Method Abroad.
Secure and Sustainable Future.
Supporting Each Other.
Technological and Scientific Innovation.
These get closer to the herbs and spices I want but they lack a final stamp of approval for general consumption. This is because they can’t be used casually and often in speaking and writing. They are “grand ideas” but not easily used in normal conversation. Besides, they sound a bit stupidly highbrow; they’re like seasoning you’d get in a gourmet shop and not the local grocer.
This is the difficult position most liberals face: it’s easier for us to spout on about grand ideas and go into detailed and (mostly) fact based rhetoric about what we believe and know (for ourselves) to be true. We will argue logic when people don’t think or vote that way. It is far less clear how to articulate to others in a simple, convincing way. It is said that “the truth will set you free” when in fact most people recoil from the truth of facts and numbers; the Truth is rarely sexy.
In fact in reading and editing this article I’m plagued by this fact. I’m trying to cook a sort of revolution of words, creating new uses for great herbs and spices that everyone -especially liberals- can use. Some of these already exist and were ripped off from other discussions around the web, but many of them are my own. A few of my favorites are italicized.
America first
American interests
American values
affordable healthcare
balanced budget
basic healthcare
better education
broad prosperity
building trust
civil equality
civil responsibility
common ground
common sense
community growth
constructive work
corporate accountability
democratic methods
democratic principles
economic equity
economic justice
economic security
effective government
effective schools
elegant future
energy independence
ethical integrity
ethical living
fair taxes
family support
fiscal prudence
fiscal responsibility
fiscal solvency
for you
fufilled obligation
general welfare
good government
good stewardship
great society
helping neighbors
human rights
humane work
inclusive community
individual choice
individual liberty
individual sovereignty
individual wealth
international responsibility
job growth
just law
moral integrity
moral strength
mutual responsibility
national pride
ownership society
ordinairy man
personal freedom
personal responsibility
personal safety
physical safety
pragmatic policy
pro-family
public good
public service
quality education
reduce deficits
representational taxes
responsible government
responsible leadership
results matter
rewarding merit
rewarding work
secure America
self reliance
self sacrifice
shared responsibility
sober defense
social justice
social security
solvent government
transparent responsibility
truth and justice
universal rights
values first
verifiable elections
working families
world conservation
Now I’m going to try to distill this list into my favorite four, the four that best represent my ideals, but that’s for another entry. This one is bloody long enough, and still not done! In the meantime consider these gems. I grew up with them and they have shaped many of my beliefs.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The emphasis there is mine. Based on these famous lines someone put together this stump pitch: “We stand for Equal Justice under the Rule of Law, insuring domestic Tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general Welfare, and securing the Blessings of Liberty for All.” Makes sense to me.
I also spent some time in my youth as a Boy Scout. I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding their anti-homosexuality (I never saw it and it was never espoused) but they do have some very good moral views.
A Boy Scout is:
Trustworthy. Loyal. Helpful. Friendly. Courteous. Kind. Obedient. Cheerful. Thrifty. Brave. Clean. Reverent.
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Of course these can be interpreted as supporting conservative or liberal values. I was a fairly empty vessel when I was 12 and reciting those words with the others, but I think even then I had a fairly liberal outlook on life. I was a Patrol Leader and I made sure each of us learned what we needed to earn our merit badges, set up camps, and get through the tasks assigned to us. I didn’t just tell them what to do, I did it too. Leading by example.
I did come up with a list of single words I think are relevant to this discussion.
Integrity. Strength. Fairness. Tolerance. Liberty. Justice. Honor. Opportunity. Patriotism. Dignity. Tradition. Pragmatism. Virtue. Progress. Community. Heritage. Rights. Respect. Responsibility.
I’m closing this entry now. I’d be interested, if anyone managed to read the whole thing through, what you think. I’ll start in on my distillation in the next several days so you’ll have that to look forward to.
I drew on several sources to come up with ideas and lists. These are the four main links I used:
The Progressive Elevator Pitch
What’s Our Elevator Pitch?
What Is Conservatism and What Is Wrong with It?
New Democrat Network Agenda
Categorized: political thoughts
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3 Responses to “Devising Four Pillars for the Future”
- Uncle Roger says (January 30th, 2005 at 04:12:24 )
Points of view
Working as I do now with an office full of conservatives, I’ve gained some insight into the differences between liberals and conservatives. The conservatives see the world as individuals. “I work hard for what I have; others should do the same.” I, on the other hand, (and note that I don’t know if this is common among liberals — I may be too biased to tell) see the world as an interlocked community. I want what’s best for everyone because I believe that will be best for me. I’d rather educate/feed/house people up front, rather than have to fight them off later when they storm my luxury compound.
Naturally, I’m right. Even if you don’t drive, it’s worth your while to contribute to maintaining the roads so the police and fire departments can get there if necessary. Same thing with schools, though it’s a little harder to see.
- dugh says (January 30th, 2005 at 06:41:39 )
Little switcheroo
The “low taxes” the conservatives espouse is difficult to deal with because no one, regardless of your affiliation, wants certain services like schools, fire, police, roads, etc to be not funded. These things all cost money, however, and if we pay for them now or we pay for them later, they have to be paid for. Either we can pay the taxes up front at the Federal level or we can pay them at the State level. Meanwhile conservatives will claim victory that they’ve achieved lower taxes. We’ll still end up paying the same amount regardless, and in some States even more.Conservative also espouse a belief in the individual, that we should stand up on our own two feet without the government propping us up. This idea is noble, but it fails on many fronts and sometimes people just need help to get their recovery started. What is ironic is that corporations are regarded as individuals in the eyes of the law and conservatives have no problems bailing out failing companies. I won’t even make the laundry list.
I, too, know a lot of conservatives and I have many of the same beliefs and I do understand (even if I disagree) with many of their values. For example the pro-life/choice debate… for me it’s not a debate. I agree with both sides. I am personally not for abortions and would never encourage someone to have one. At the same time, I believe it’s not my place to dictate what a person can and cannot do with their lives and that Choice (in all things) is a matter for the individual. It should not be taken away.
Choice is a very big issue for me and it goes against many conservative and liberal values. I’m pro-choice in the abortion issue (which doesn’t make conservatives happy) and I’m pro-smoking (which makes liberals unhappy with me, too). I’m not pro-smoking as in, “everyone should get a free pack of smokes everyday for the rest of their lives,” but I do think that so long as a person isn’t inside a public space then let them smoke in peace. I did vote to increase the tax on cigarettes, though. Twice, I think.
I think you are right that we are stronger when we stand together and support each other than we are as individuals facing the storm alone. As they said in About a Boy, “Every man is an island. I stand by that. But clearly some men are island CHAINS. Underneath, they are connected.” I personally say that no man is an island, but that could just be me.
- Uncle Roger says (January 31st, 2005 at 05:25:26 )
because no one, regardless of your affiliation, wants certain services like schools, fire, police, roads, etc to be not funded.Sadly, this is not true. I know of at least one person who is “tired” of paying to educate other people’s kids.
A digression: Abortion is not a problem. It is a symptom. I’m not saying I’m in favor of abortion, but the real problem is unwanted pregnancies. Eliminate that and the whole (well, 99.8% anyway) abortion issue goes away. The problem with doing that, however, is that we would have to talk about sex in a real way, not just say “don’t have sex!” and there are a lot of people too screwed up to do that.
Digression 2: I fully support everyone’s right to smoke tabacco, marijuana, or just about anything else. Heck, as far as I’m concerned, you can even lick all the frogs you want to, though, personally, I’ll stick to my wife’s boots, thank you very much. The very big caveat with this, that a lot of people seem to forget, is that what you do must not negatively affect others. That is, others have the right to go about their business without smelling your foul smoke or having their classic car totalled when you go for a drive while high on whatever. (The latter happened to my mother’s vintage citroen, along with half a dozen other cars.) Of course, the same is true of currently legal drugs such as alcohol.
Even islands, are connected to the planet whether or not they like it. Somebody has to fix your car|make your coffee|maintain your telephone lines|etc. Regardless of your own personal station in life, it’s in your best interest that they are happy, educated, and adequately cared for. To follow your lead, Jack Nicholson, in as good as it gets, found this out when his waitress quit because she couldn’t get adequate care for her kid. By providing her child with good health care, she was able to return to work. People that can’t see this represent a major blockage in the growth of our species and cultures.
