What Do We Stand For? Progressive Patriotism
by Mark Green, former Public Advocate for New York City and current president of the New Democracy Project

A large number of scholars, writers and activists have been quietly cobbling up a clear, confident and credible set of policy alternatives for a new Administration. For example, in May fifty leading scholars and advocates--Jamie Galbraith, Robert Reich, Anne-Marie Slaughter, Gary Hart, Joe Trippi and others--convened at a two-day conference at New York University to lay out "a program for progressive patriotism."

As a governing agenda, "progressive patriotism" is built on one premise and four foundations. The premise is that patriotism, or love of country, must mean not only defending our country against attack but also improving our country through dissent, debate and elections.

Real patriots should now not only wave flags but also, after three-plus years of George W. Bush's presidency, ask whether a policy or program advances the middle-class, collective security, a stronger democracy and One America.

Full story here.