Certainty turns out to be largely elusive in these times.
But, not completely. Values--bedrock, non-negotiable, pre-selected--values offer us reasonable certainty on how life ought to be lived.
So, here is what I know for sure near the conclusion of our recent political convulsions:
- People must be honored, loved, valued--all people.
- Children must be cared for, loved and supported in families.
- Parents must be supported in their responsibilities to their little ones.
- Children must never be separated from their parents.
- A nation as wealthy as this one must take seriously its responsibilities to its citizens and those who seek to be citizens.
- A nation without fair, just, clear policies regarding immigrants and their desire to become a part of the nation lacks integrity, and is not living up to the values that created and sustain this nation of immigrants.
- Black lives matter.
- Due process trumps police brutality.
- Protest provokes progress.
- Prolife is a much broader life philosophy than pro-birth.
- No one should know hunger.
- Food scarcity and food deserts should be banned outright.
- Economic opportunity should never be denied or segregated..
- Health care is a human right. This nation should see that every man, woman and child receives such care.
- Public health is more than an idea, it is a practice.
- Pandemic infections call for public leadership, honesty and sacrifice.
- Adequate, decent, affordable housing is a basic human right.
- Work is sacred. Everyone who works should be paid a living wage. No one who works full-time should fall into poverty because of inadequate pay.
- Education is a human right and should be afforded to everyone at public scale.
- The earth is our home. We should care for it, preserve it and engage it.
- Climate change is real.
- As a value proposition, progressive tax policy is a plus.
- Charity is good. Equitable investment better still.
- Religion is not the point. Most divisive policies find root in it. Radical love, generosity of spirit and soul is everything.
