What Liberals stand for:
Freedom...
...of conscience
You have the right to think as you wish.
...of religion
You have the right to worship as you please. The government has no business either supporting or opposing
religion in general or any specific religion.
...of speech
You have the right to express your views, whatever they may be. Only in the free marketplace of ideas can
truth emerge.
Civil rights
All people are equal under the law. Any type of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability,
sexual orientation, or gender is not only inconsistent with a free and civil society, but is immoral as well.
Universal public education
Equality of opportunity requires all Americans to have access to a basic education consistent with maintaining
informed citizenship and the ability to participate fully in society.
Tolerance of Differences
Because we are all unique beings, with different skills, needs, and wants, we must respect the life choices of
others as long as their life choices do not infringe on the rights enjoyed by other citizens.
A Social Safety Net
Recognizing that circumstances beyond mortal control play a part in all our lives, a basic social safety net
shall be avaliable to all who need it, not as a permanent lifestyle, but rather as a helping hand to get back on
one's feet.
Employees' Rights
We spend most of our lives working. Work is the foundation of our economy and a major part of the glue
holding together communities. The employee is an equal business partner with the employer, and as such, has
the right to collectively bargain for terms of employment.
Environmental Protection
Contrary to some people's opinions, it is possible to both protect the environment and sustain economic
growth. We support taking all reasonable and responsible steps to protect the environment and the species
contained therein.
Strong Families
The family is the primary social unit in America. It must be respected, and encouraged in all its forms.
Government should make policy with this in mind.
Responsibility
With rights come responsibilities. Exercising our rights means taking responsibility for our actions, and their
effects on others.
Free Enterprise
The capitalist economic system is the most efficient solution to providing for peoples' wants and needs.
Government's role is that of a regulator, not a controller of industry, and any regulation must only be for the
good of society as a whole, and not for the benefit of any one entity.
Rule of Law
Law is the framework in which society operates. There can be no society without justice. Justice means that
those who commit crimes must be made to answer for them, and that the criminal code is fair and wisely
constructed. When criminal actions go unpunished, respect for the law weakens. The law applies to all,
including all agents of the government.
...most importantly, Progress
Progress is what Liberalism really means; moral progress, economic progress, and social progress to benefit
all humanity. This represents the path towards a better world. At its heart, Liberalism is an optimistic
philosophy.
