I use the term “Moral Left” to make a distinction between the Old Left of interest and patron-based politics and the New Left of value-based politics.  In truth, the Moral Left is not so much new as it is more being revived.  We have a history of moral leadership, and it’s time that we renew our work on moral, and not interest-based, politics.  

Here are the ten values that I think define the Moral Left.
Tom Kertes – Advancing the values of the Moral Left

Love "Love" is a neglected word
in politics. But it is not neglected by poets and artists, by the
authors of our sacred texts, and in the every day experiences of
most people. Love of self, of each other, and of all living things
should guide civic life, just as it guides the family life of most
Americans.
Compassion

From love stems compassion, but compassion
ranks as its own value as a reminder of how love is to be expressed.
Love of others requires that we are compassionate towards all
– even our enemies.

Note that love of and compassion for all others does not mean
that we are tolerant of all actions and ideas that stem from those
we love. We can be compassionate towards those whose values we
oppose.
Happiness Every person has an absolute right to
experience love, joy and happiness. Society should do what it takes
to ensure that happiness can be experienced by all.
Cooperation Cooperation takes place on many levels.
From the complex systems of the market to a gathering amongst friends,
cooperation is at the heart of being human.
Democracy Peaceful political cooperation is fostered
through the democratic rule of law. Democratic rule of law is how
we peacefully resolve conflicts and live together as human society.
Democracy should be encouraged to spread to all people, and should
be the basis of relations between nations.
Justice A just society responds to, cares for
and protects all. Human justice requires complex legal and ethical
systems to ensure that conflicts are resolved peacefully and that
the weakest amongst us are protected.
Equality of Law All persons must be treated equally under
the law for there to be justice and for democracy to work.
Stewardship We have a moral responsibility to take
good care of the Earth. We are also morally bound to express compassion
and reverence towards all living things.
Inquiry The study of things and ideas is what
makes life interesting. Inquiry requires freedom of expression,
openess to new ideas, accessible information and places of study.
Reason Humans have the capacity to apply reason
to our personal and civic conduct. It is through reason that we
are able to peacefully advance our values.
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