Definitions of Our Values

The following is quoted from the publication "Voicing Our Values," which is available for download as a free PDF document.

[Freedom.] "Where government has no proper role, because public action would violate our individual rights, progressive policy is based on freedom. Freedom means the absence of legal interference with our fundamental rights—freedom of speech, religion and association; the right to privacy; the rights of the accused; and the right of all citizens to vote. In other words, we use freedom as a defense of our basic constitutional rights and civil liberties. This is simple enough, but nevertheless, progressives rarely say the word freedom. They’re embarrassed or think it’s been co-opted by the right wing or don’t understand when to say it. But freedom is the most popular political value in America. Polls show it is enormously powerful. If you can’t cry freedom, you can’t explain why you are progressive.

[Opportunity.*] "Where government acts as a referee between private, unequal interests, progressive policy is based on opportunity. Opportunity means a level playing field in social and economic affairs—fair dealings between the powerful and the less powerful, the elimination of discrimination, and a quality education for all. More than anything, opportunity stands for a fair marketplace. Although progressives tend to stress the rights of consumers and employees against businesses, opportunity also ensures fairness between businesses—especially helping small enterprises against large ones—and fairness for stockholders against corporate officers. Americans fervently believe in the opportunity to live the American Dream. Some progressives feel it is tacky or stilted to talk about the American Dream. But that’s the vision that underlies our value of equal opportunity for all. It’s an essential part of our philosophy.

[Security.] "Where government acts to protect those who cannot reasonably protect themselves, including future generations, progressive policy is based on security. Security includes protecting Americans from domestic criminals and foreign terrorists, of course. But it also means insuring the sick and the vulnerable, safeguarding the food we eat and products we use, preserving our environment and, of course, there’s Social Security. Progressives certainly support the concept of security, but we usually detour around that word. Like freedom, the word security seems to stick in the throats of progressives, perhaps because we’re concerned that we’ll sound like conservatives. But in fact, when you say security it makes you sound like a mainstream American."

"You don’t have to say the words freedom, opportunity and security over and over. But...you should express at least one of these three concepts whenever you argue for any progressive policy."
 
Freedom or similar values
  • Liberty
  • Privacy
  • Basic rights
  • Fundamental rights
  • Religious freedom
Opportunity or similar values
  • Equal opportunity
  • Justice; equal justice
  • Fairness; fair share
  • Level playing field
  • Every American
Security of similar values
  • Safety; protection
  • Quality of life
  • Employment security
  • Retirement security
  • Health security
Freedom or similar values Opportunity or similar values Security or similar values
  • Liberty
  • Privacy
  • Basic rights
  • Fundamental rights
  • Religious freedom
  • Equal opportunity
  • Justice; equal justice
  • Fairness; fair share
  • Level playing field
  • Every American
  • Safety; protection
  • Quality of life
  • Employment security
  • Retirement security
  • Health security

 
* This portion of another website elaborates on the meaning of and helps to define "opportunity." It describes "values rooted in Opportunity" or "Opportunity values," some of which might better be described as "principles" (which grow out of values but are each more narrowly defined): equality, mobility, redemption, community, and security. These terms are familiar enough that they may be used, as defined there, to elaborate on the word "opportunity" in our messaging.