How can we save our country

According to polls, the vast majority of Americans recognize the need for: aggressive action on anthropogenic climate change, everyone to be treated equal under the law, minimum wage of $15 per hour, medicare for all, spending on infrastructure renewal, public education that keeps up with other progressive countries, immigrants to have a path to citizenship, and wealthy donors and lobbyists not to be able to control our elections. But what we get is tax breaks for the rich, increasing corporate power, voter suppression, increased spending on the military industrial complex, increased discrimination against minorities and immigrants, teaching children what to think instead of how to think, and denial of healthcare for the poor. How is it that minority opinions succeed in this Country? Because we are not participating in a United Nonviolent Progressive Movement. 

UNITED NONVIOLENT PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT – let us support what the majority of Americans want, what is in the common good, and what can win if we stand in solidarity. 

UNITED — because the 1% stays in control by dividing us by race, religion, sex, sexual preference, class, nationality, career and geography so that no subgroup has the ability to resist on their own. This causes fighting about which issues are more important or a litmus test for solidarity. Recognize that social justice, sustainability, and peace are all interconnected and one cannot exist without all the others. United in common cause we are too big to fail.

NONVIOLENT — because violence discredits its purveyors and sacrifices the moral high ground. Nonviolence is also the most effective tool against those who deal in violence. Those in power have bombs, jails, and superior technology and we will lose turning to violence. Reveal the powerful for the bullies they are.

PROGRESSIVE — because after the gilded age (1870-1900), a period of extreme wealth inequality similar to today, a progressive movement (1890-1920), was required to regain a more egalitarian society. Unions, social justice activists, environmentalists, and groups interested in the common good fought back against financial and political elites. After the Great Depression caused by the capitalist class, FDR’s progressive policies put the country back on its feet and improved the safety net.

MOVEMENT — because we need to take the long view, our struggles are the struggles of the ages. The issues change slightly but power never gives up control without a struggle. We are the majority and have a right to a voice in decisions that affect us. We want to level the playing field. Our struggle is for an appropriate balance between individual freedom and public protections.

Principles

• Everyone is welcome and will be treated equally. Accept from each what they are able to give. Be kind and respectful to each other. Model what you want the movement to be. None of us has all the answers.

• Decisions must be consistent with science, reason, and evidence; not based on beliefs or prejudices. Stay open to learning, growth and change.

• Change begins with personal transformation. Honest effort has the ability to inspire others. Fighting for a healthy earth and a just society is a source of joy.

• We are steadfast in our commitment to: 1) A justice system where all are equal before the law; 2) Jobs for all with a living wage; 3) Universal access to housing, education, and medical care; 4) Economic protection during sickness, disability, old age, and unemployment; 5) Support for children with parental leave, daycare, quality  education, nutrition and medical care; 6) Peace; put 10% of the resource used in preparation for war, into cultivating peace; 7) Sustainability and environmental protection are requirements for all of us, lets act like; 8) Nonpartisan; support candidates and policies that support our agenda and values, not a party.

Matter where you are.