The document proposes a values-based communications framework for progressive economics. It outlines six principles: 1) secure basic freedoms like healthcare and education; 2) invest in education and research to compete in the 21st century; 3) democratize economic power through policies like unions, progressive taxation, and living wages; 4) build a green economy to address environmental problems; 5) regulate capitalism through policies to avoid economic crises; and 6) globalize this progressive approach through international trade policies. The framework is intended to provide clear and consistent messaging to communicate progressive values to the public.

1. The High Road A values based communications framework for progressive economics Dan Ancona May 2007 Revision

2. Part I: Values

4. Progressives are not moral relativists…

5. we value INTERDEPENDENCE and SUBSTANTIAL FREEDOM Advantages: No mushy, confusing and inaccurate family metaphors. No trace of moral relativism. Historically grounded. Simple. Easily memorized. Relatively complete. Dovetails nicely with common good and other frameworks. Disadvantages: They own the word “freedom,” and “interdependence” is an unfamiliar term. Conservatives are mainly about defending moral orders and expanding the freedom that comes from property rights. (i.e. stuff) Progressives are mainly about realizing interdependence and expanding substantial freedom. (i.e. cognitive liberty)

7. Expanding substantial freedom We’re starting to take it back: Amartya Sen Development as Freedom George Lakoff Whose freedom anyway? Paul Starr Freedom’s Power John Schwartz Freedom Reclaimed The Opportunity Agenda Many other books, organizations and efforts Substantial freedom is the opportunity we have as humans to realize our full potential. It can not be optimized individually. This is what takes a village. (or better yet, a city) This is why conservatism doesn’t work.

8. Russell Kirk’s 10 Conservative Principles… and ours More: http://speakoutca.org/archives/2006/06/foundations_iii.php democratizing wealth and power reconciling permanence unleashing passions restraining passions social justice and grace voluntary community substantial freedom and cognitive liberty freedom and property hope imperfectability celebrating diversity variety curiosity and wonder prudence ethic of connectedness principle of prescription questioning authority, thinking critically custom, convention, continuity expanding substantial freedom preserving moral orders

9. Part II: The High Road

11. Hunger for a New Story The food is terrible. And such small portions! GQR 3/7/07: http://democracycorps.com/reports/analyses/Democracy_Corps_February_28_2007_Graphs.pdf Voters disapprove of government performance... ... and solid majorities want more involvement