Over the last few days, there’s been a lot of discussion about next steps for the progressive movement. With the economy sliding back into recession, the Obama Administration is reeling, as their strongest line of defense – that they stopped things from getting worse – is destroyed by the double-dip, progressives need to move beyond the White House and gird for the coming political battles, which will happen in a less favorable environment than we’ve been used to from 2005 to now.

The best way to blunt the rise of a more motivated right, to inspire our own base, and to deal with the failures of the White House is to start articulating our own vision for the 21st century. This is especially vital here in California as we face an ongoing economic and political crisis that shows no sign of abating. As Californians face prolonged economic distress, they will expect and seek leadership that will address their concerns.

In the 1930s, Californians such as Dr. Francis Townsend, Upton Sinclair, the leaders of the 1934 SF General Strike, and others stepped up to provide that leadership. It’s time for us to do the same.

Before we can list a policy agenda, we need to set out our core values that should animate our efforts. As we have – rightly – focused on elections, we haven’t paid as much attention as we should on setting out the building blocks of a 21st century progressivism. So I’m going to try and start.

Security

Sustainability

Economic democracy

Equality