Seven Principles
In his New York Times column, Bret Stephens makes a powerful case that both parties have strayed away from core values of liberal democracy. Serious Republican leaders embrace protectionism, nativist prejudices, and conspiracy theories. Powerful Democrats embrace identity politics, cancel culture, and a Manichean approach to public values.
Stephens notes that 62% of Americans now favor a third party. While acknowledging that the deck is stacked against a third party, Stephens suggests that it might attract the vast center of Americans who feel unrepresented.
Common Good agrees that the vacuum in the center needs to be filled. We propose seven governing principles that restore practicality, accountability, and morality to public choices. Many of America's leading citizens have signed on.
Instead of a third party, we think these core principles can be overlayed onto the platforms of candidates from both parties. That's what happened in the Progressive Era, as candidates from both sides embraced parts of the Progressive agenda — for women's suffrage, for regulatory oversight, and for busting trusts.
Look at these seven principles. Tell us what you would add or subtract. We think you will see they are not partisan, but practical; not absolutist, but moderate; not aimed at centralized uniformity, but local initiative. Perhaps they can provide a banner for responsible candidates of both parties.
Common Good called on President Biden and Congress to create a National Infrastructure Board to set priorities and expedite approvals.