Allison W. - Charlotte, NC

Progressives know our strongest commonality is our humanness. As humans we are an irretrievable element of our home, the Earth. A progressive’s conscience balks at the message expressed by the arrogant assumption of dominion. Instead the responsibility of our home’s guardianship is humbly accepted and cherished-not that we’ve confirmed ourselves the holy anointed-but because we understand we are the one species that can and does affect the entire world for good or naught. Progressives’ social and political thought process includes all humans. We need no arrangement of exclusivity; being human is wholly inclusive. No splinter group-the HUMAN category should serve as our foundational commonality; a group in which we all can belong. Being a progressive means after our humanity, all other choices we make in life are personal ones. We chose our belief systems, customs or national pastimes, but being human underneath it all equates each of us, and so ends the tendency and justification of molding others into our own morality. Personal satisfaction in life arises from knowing we are free to choose, have chosen and are happiest working toward that which feels right for each of us. Personal satisfaction is served by following our chosen beliefs and public justice is served through the enforcement of laws that reflect a level ‘playing field’ whenever possible, protecting the weak or underserved involved.