ISSUES
Image Credit: Stephan Cesarini (inspired by the work of John Clang)
There are many issues that lead us to identify as progressives, and not one of them ultimately, singularly unites us. In fact we celebrate the diversity of voices/ideas/perspectives held amongst our own 'ranks', as our world's problems are not simple and no one person has all the answers or right ideas. But there is a common thread - a distinct flavor, if you will - at the root of all progressive policy issues: we believe that compassion and care for ourselves AND others ought to inform our policies, public investments, and laws.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
One of the most toxic and democracy-killing events in recent history was the horrendous Supreme Court Citizens United decision, which effectively grants 'personhood' to large corporations when it comes to political contributions. We believe strongly that Citizens United needs to be overturned, and that running for political office should be about public service and not self-gain.
There are interesting arguments for moving to public funding of campaigns, but that also doesn't take into account the sheer power of incumbency - which only illustrates our need for real, honest, creative conversations about campaign finance reform and how to achieve our goal of elections decided on candidates' ideas/policies/plans.
There are interesting arguments for moving to public funding of campaigns, but that also doesn't take into account the sheer power of incumbency - which only illustrates our need for real, honest, creative conversations about campaign finance reform and how to achieve our goal of elections decided on candidates' ideas/policies/plans.
ENVIRONMENT
Our planet is dying. We are the ones killing it. The only way to stop the damage, and give the Earth ANY chance to heal itself, is to aggressively move away from fossil fuels and onto full green, clean, renewable energy without hazardous byproducts. No fracking, no strip mining, no drilling. We must also seriously address the environmental impact of our massive-scale farming operations. We need new ideas and creative solutions - we need to invest in science education and green energy research.
LABOR
We believe in a workers' rights to organize, to advocate for themselves, to avoid abuses in the workplace (and to peacefully strike when necessary). We can no longer accept policies and politicians that seek to kill unions with "Right to Work" laws and loopholes to avoid union commitments. We need to strengthen workers' rights, not weaken them.
We believe in a living wage for all workers in the United States, of at least $15/hour for unskilled labor. There needs to be more discussion about across the board wage increases as well - increases for those workers in skilled positions who have also seen their wages go flat.
We believe in a living wage for all workers in the United States, of at least $15/hour for unskilled labor. There needs to be more discussion about across the board wage increases as well - increases for those workers in skilled positions who have also seen their wages go flat.
PUBLIC SAFETY + COMMUNITY HEALTH
An engaged, friendly, community-focused and -oriented police force would likely be welcomed in just about every neighborhood; but unfortunately, that is not the reality in which we live. Way too often we see that public safety and health department systems, policies, and associated cultures are designed to discriminate against black and brown folks, objectify women, crush any opposition to authority, etc. This is not only the fault of these departments, nor is it solely random 'rogue' officers or officials acting independently - as if their actions aren't somehow symptomatic of much larger problems. Problems that are institutionalized, systemic, and will need innovation and entirely new ways of doing business if we are to see change for the better.
We need police departments that are willing to admit the flaws in their current operating procedures, the flaws in their training and recruitment programs, and address them with bold new solutions. We need to invest in health insurance and access for all Americans, including mental health. We need foster care and adoption systems that work with communities to keep families together, while ensuring stable homes for our children. We need community protectors that are a part of their communities, and truly know the people and businesses contained in them. We need police, fire, and emergency coordination with mental health crisis providers, with neighborhood associations, with prominent business and community leaders.
We need police departments that are willing to admit the flaws in their current operating procedures, the flaws in their training and recruitment programs, and address them with bold new solutions. We need to invest in health insurance and access for all Americans, including mental health. We need foster care and adoption systems that work with communities to keep families together, while ensuring stable homes for our children. We need community protectors that are a part of their communities, and truly know the people and businesses contained in them. We need police, fire, and emergency coordination with mental health crisis providers, with neighborhood associations, with prominent business and community leaders.