As we continue this important series, it is vital that we agree on and understand the principles that support and shape our nation’s flourishing. Policies and programs, including necessary political compromises are built on particular conscious and unconscious values. Here are some of the key ideas for our nations future.
We the People unite in creating an America where…
- Freedom of conscience and religion is protected as the first freedom and the deepest values of our citizens inform civil debate.
- Life is cherished from conception to its natural end and no active measures are adopted to prematurely end it.
- The freedoms of peaceable assembly, the redress of government and speech must be protected not restricted and the marketplace of ideas unhindered by bureaucratic notions of “fairness.”
- Moral persuasion is as influential as public legislation.
- Our natural rights are protected – not bestowed – by the government.
- Government is subsidiary to the person, family, community, religious group and other voluntary agencies. In other words, sovereignty and support structures first rest with the people, not the federal government.
- The Constitutional balance of power matters and all legislation gets to the floor for public debate by elected leaders and citizens.
- Access to education, business markets and other opportunities are not stifled by corrupt business and political powers.
- Equality of opportunity is not necessarily of equality of outcome.
- Cultural, gender and racial diversity are celebrated along with unity on the guiding first principles of liberty, virtue and the common good.
- Marriage is defined as one man and one woman, with legal allowance (state-by-state) for other approved adult relationships such as civil unions and domestic partnerships. Marriage so defined is one of the empirical cornerstones of future success for the next generation.
- Citizens must show an official ID from their state and prove their residential status in order to cast a ballot. ID cards should be offered to qualified persons without charge. No votes cast by non-citizens count in any elections.
- Disagreements do not devolve into personal attacks and caricatures and stereotypes do not obscure issues worthy of serious reflection.
- History and hope meet and Americans can cherish their heritage and humbly resolve not to repeat her egregious errors. We live in a land of saints and sinners, humble servants and rapacious overlords, amazing sacrifice and regrettable indulgence.
With these first principles in mind, the coming posts will consider domestic and foreign policies that will bless both our nation’s residents and liberty-loving people around the world.
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