I wrote a diary on Saturday entitled "An Atheist's Perspective on the Pope's Writings". It received a fair amount of comments and recommends which I was happy about.
Better than the diary itself, was the discourse that took place in the comments section afterward.
I was quite impressed with the range of views, separate discussions, and at times good humor that took place. I have read several diaries where there is more to be learned in the comments than in the diaries.
A comment that stuck with me for a while after though was from a person that disagreed with not only the the content of my diary, but the fact that it had been written at all.
He was respectful and I did not feel hurt by it in any way. The part that stuck with me though was the following:
"What I feel we really need around these Daily Kos "ain't the pope a nice guy" diaries is a frank discussion on what the terms "social justice" , "equality" and "progressive" really mean."
I don't completely agree that Daily Kos should exist for such a narrow range of topics. I feel it should be a place for the exchange of ideas on a wide range of topics from a large group of, at least relatively like minded individuals.
But it did get me thinking. What do the terms social justice, equality, and progressive really mean?
I would have thought it an obvious question really. Am I wrong?
Everyone will have different priorities within a progressive agenda. But does that change the overall goals?
I like to deal in simplicity, and allow others to expand on ideas within the comment boards. So I'd like to give a brief, concise idea of what I think it means, and let others have their input.
For me, here are my overarching beliefs that pertain to all three of the terms:
1. Caring about people outside of yourself, your family, and friends- Of course your family, friends and self are to be cared about too. But what I think sets apart progressives from those further right on the spectrum, is that they want to do all they can to help others to have the best quality of life they can.
2. Caring about the the earth we live on and all of the non-human inhabitants that live on it.
3. Treating people with equal respect regardless of race, gender, beliefs, sexual preferences, etc. This one I think is both obvious, and paramount to the progressive cause.
4. People's right to privacy, freedom of speech, and freedom over our own bodies providing it does not cause undue harm to others.
5. The right for everyone to live in safety.
6. The right for everyone to live with dignity.
7. The right for everyone to have a say in the way we are governed.
8. Equal access for all to gain knowledge, skills, and understanding.
I tried to think of more. But when it came down to it, everything else I came up with seemed to fit within one of these seven points, whether it be abortion, levels of taxation, healthcare, religion, gun control or any of the other ideas that I could think of.
Now this is a very short diary. I am hoping for it not to be the end of a discussion, but the beginning. I really hope to have a good dialogue on this.
It is obvious that this is a subject that has been covered before. It is hardly unique. But I wanted to share my personal ideas, and more importantly, to see what others think.
To the commenter on my previous diary that gave me the idea for this diary, I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have not credited you in this diary at this time without your permission to do so. If you wish me to do so, please let me know and I will add it in as an update.
To anyone wishing to share ideas, thank you in advance.