We the people must transform democracy based on universal values of

truth, wisdom, empathy, justice and inclusion

not lies, ignorance, hate, fear, exclusion

What kind of country and world do we want to create for our children and grandchildren? We are at a trajectory moment in history – actually, a tipping point in civilization – when we must accept our responsibility as citizens and learn the truth about our history, face today’s reality head on, make choices about the future and take action . Our increasingly fragile democracy — and our world — is at stake.

Conservatives and progressives have deeply contrasting ideas of right and wrong. These worldviews are drastically at odds and affect every facet of democracy. Much of the time citizens hold different understandings of even the basic facts related to the topics we are debating. Citizens must understand how the political system and parties have changed, learn the critical implications of these culture wars, choose sides and fight for our grand children’s future.

I believe ordinary American citizens will mount a massive grass roots movement to stop right wing extremists from destroying America. The current incredible outpouring of citizen action to affirm that everybody matters, that all people have value, confirms this belief.

I believe millions of Americans will make citizen participation in democracy an integral part of their lives, taking power away from oligarchs and religious extremists. We can make America again be government of the people, by the people and for the people!

The mission of this website is to help restore American democracy through long term systemic change so that it works for we, the people, instead of only the rich and powerful. The goal is to help citizens know what democracy is supposed to be, to understand that right wing extremists have perverted democracy to benefit the rich and to become committed to, and prepared for, participation in the electoral process. The objective is to develop a cohesive, accessible narrative that helps citizens understand and advocate for progressive values at the authentic core of American democracy.

With audacious faith, Phyllis Stenerson — editor/curator of ProgressiveValues.org

“We must move forward in the days ahead with audacious faith. The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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• Recent e-letters — to receive directly go to bottom left of home page and sign up
• Remembering Congressman Martin O. Sabo 3/15/16
• Goodwill to all  12/23/15
• So, How Bad is it? 11/6/15
• Pope Francis’ Moral Politics   9/30/15
• Moral Authority and The Constitution  9/17/15
• Organized labor = economic justice  9/7/15
  
• Saving the earth for our grandchildren 4/22/15
• Old issues, new fight 1/24/15
  
• The 2014 election was about everything.  1/13/15
• Saving America’s Soul 10/25/14
  
• Countdown to democracy 10/4/14
• Sept 4 to Nov 4 Inform Persuade Vote 9/4/14
• Democracy: Faith and/or Reason 8/19/14
  
• Democracy and Religion — an essential dialogue 8/8/14
  

Sources of material about American democracy posted at www.ProgressiveValues.org include Alternet.org, AmericanProgress.org, Billmoyers.com, Commondreams.org, Democracynow.org, Enlightennext.org, GeorgeLakoff.com,  Minpost.com, motherjones.com, Onbeing.org, Pfaw.org, Philosophynow.org, Politico.com, Religiondispatches.org, Robertreich.com, Salon.com, Sojo.net, TheChristianLeft, Thedailybeast.com, TheNation.com, Thinkprogress.org, Tikkun.org, Tomdispatch.com, Truth-out.org, Uuworld.org, Yesmagazine.org and more — Exercise your responsibility as a citizen by contributing to these independent journalists. This compilation of information and inspiration would not be possible without them.

You can contribute to this website through PayPal or contact phyllis@progressivevalues.org.

see About this project and An Open Letter to America

Fair Use Notice: These pages contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit for educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C. § 107. The many wise and articulate writers who share their knowledge with the public via the internet are profoundly appreciated. If any writer wishes to have their content amended or removed, please contact the editor at  phyllis@progressivevales.org. Thank you.

 work in progress — latest update 1/6/16  Paideia LLC © 2001–2016