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10 Values for Ordinary Americans

Ordinary Americans

What are the core values we all have in common?

Please read the list of values below. This is what we understand to be the common values of mainstream America. we expect our elected leaders to utilize common sense, avaid reckeless behavior and destructive politics, and to reflect the value system of the people.

Are these consistent with your thinking? Are these values right for America?

10 Values: What we believe about America

  1. Accountability. Government should be responsible, accountable, honest, and accepting of criticism without questioning one's patriotism, and should be held accountable for its actions. Secrecy and deception are self-destructive.

  2. Responsibility. Government is not the answer to every problem - it should remain as small and efficient as possible consistent with the needs of its citizens. Government is not always bad; throughout our history, it has had a tremendous positive impact on individual lives.

  3. Freedom. Practicing one's chosen religion privately is a fundamental American right, and therefore religion does not belong in politics, in science, in government, or in public schools. Every American who abides by the law deserves to pursue happiness in their own way, in their chosen lifestyle, without suffering abuse at the hands of the majority.

  4. Integrity. Television and radio networks who disguise propaganda as news are guilty of brainwashing their followers and damaging our democracy. Election campaigns should based on issues, policy, reality, and the merits of the candidates, not on lies, censorship, and ridiculing anyone who disagrees.

  5. Humility. Arrogant use of power harms our security and decreases our safety. War is a terrible choice that must be made only when every other possible option has been exhausted.

  6. Leadership. International consensus and moral authority and more powerful than any one nation. Starting a war based on false pretense creates terrorists and global resentment.

  7. Progress. The benefits of science and medicine should be available to everyone. People who are sick have a right to good health care - somehow, some way, they deserve to be treated.

  8. Safety. The freedom to own and carry personal weapons should be balanced against the freedom to walk the streets without worrying about being shot.

  9. Realism. Constantly using words like "freedom", "strong", and "tough" doesn't make anyone more free, stronger, or tougher. Security in the long term depends on making sacrifices and standing up for what's right.

  10. Opportunity. If you work hard and abide by the rules, you deserve to be able to earn a living, obtain an education, and live in dignity.