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Thinking Points. EPILOGUE

There's a reason we called this book Thinking Points—because thinking is the activism that comes first. Movements are ultimately about values and ideas. Organizing is crucial, but it has to be about something.

This is a handbook for a job that needs to be done—articulating the progressive vision in all of its manifestations over the long term.

Proactively, not reactively.

In grassroots groups all over America. Not just for the next election but indefinitely—election or no election. Win or lose.

A progressive network, an online community, thinking through what you believe and why—and how you can talk to your neighbors.

With the issues of the day discussed not just for their own sake but for how they elaborate the vision, how they contribute to an ongoing dialogue after the issues of the day are forgotten.

Thinking points are the opposite of talking points, the opposite of slogans to parrot, funny bumper stickers, T-shirt mottos, and ad copy. Nothing wrong with them, but that is not what this handbook is about.

Today's issues may be forgotten tomorrow. But the principles and values behind those issues will last.

Yesterday's arguments may never be heard again. But the argument frames that spell out the logic of progressive thought will endure.

The surface frames fade; the deep frames are indelible.