Equal Opportunity, Personal Choice, National Security, a Better Tomorrow.
I didn't enter Tom Vilsack's Our Ten Words competition, but I've playing around with the slogan above. I'd like to communicate the message that Dems believe that everyone should have an opportunity to succeed, that everyone has a right to their personal beliefs (political, religious, etc.), that think a good society/community/family provides a safety net (defense, social security, health care, etc.). As progressives, we also think things can always be better: We're not satisfied with the status quo.
I like the values I've come up with, but I'm not 100% sure of the words. So, let's get your feedback!
More below.
Some of my friends balk at the "national security" piece, but I like the idea that it can refer to defense issues as well as health and pension protection. Surely, the Dems can't simply allow the Republicans to have security all to themselves. Communities look after each other, which is a value that is often neglected when we discuss security, and that's a key progressive message: Security goes beyond military defense.
I also like the Personal/National contrast in the message. It's not a contradiction, as it is truly liberating to know the community has your back (health care, pension protection, consumer protection, etc.) no matter who you are or what you believe.
Give me your feedback, suggest your own ideas, and answer the poll, below.
Please recommend the diary to make the discussion as broad as posssible. Whether you like my ideas or not, this is an important topic as it goes to the core of what unites us as Democrats and progressives.