Julie S. - Minneapolis, MN

A progressive is someone who:Knows that in order to have a country, one must have a community. Knows that fiscal responsibility is the key factor in governance. Passing debt on to our children and grandchildren is fiscal irresponsibility.Knows that a sound economy works efficiently to benefit of those at the bottom, those in the middle, and those at the top; and more importantly, has mechanisms in place to enable those at the bottom and in the middle to live comfortably through hard work and diligence. A democratic republic embraces an economy that is of, for, and by the people.Knows that economic opportunity and a level playing field is not class warfare. Class warfare is a conservative, not a progressive, value.Knows that strong national security begins with reaching across cultural and political divides to all governments and all peoples to create a more perfect global union, and doesn't stop when disagreements arise.Knows that having respect for birth, life, and death are of equal value. Knows that families make our country a better country, whatever the family looks like.Knows that democracy cannot thrive without bright light shed on each and every corporate and legislative process.Knows that access to health and healthcare is a universal right, and not something to be parcelled out by private or public interests. Knows that corporate governance is anti-democracy, and that public financing of elected officials' campaigns is the first step in taking back our country from corporate interests. Our country is not for sale to the highest bidder!Knows that Emanuel, God With Us, is indeed with us, and is an inclusive God, not one of divisiveness and exclusion. Knows that in order to realize our vision for our country and our world, we must BE the vision.Julie Stroeve, Minneapolis