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 Note that love of and compassion for all others does not mean |
| 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. |