I would like to have a series of substantive discussions on ...

[ismnotwasm]

104. So true

And it's a disease that infests some--far too many actually, who espouse progressive values.


As far as the topic matter. I think clear identification of goals is a place to start. What do we want?
Let me make a top of my head list
Subsidized education though college, Single payer or socialized healthcare are two biggies, along with subsidized daycare. This needs to be done at a federal and state level. Teachers need to have supplies at all times, and be paid a decent wage with decent benefits.

I'd like to see; Community/city investments, especially in impoverished areas, this can be in the form of community centers, pea patch gardens, community health care clinics, home improvements, first time home owners credit, for instance Seattle has a program where you can get free low water use toilets for your home, if you are on disability or Medicaid. These types of programs can be expanded and paid for by giving tax credits to corporations who significantly invest in such areas. There would have to be a bottom line amount invested to receive the credit. It can set up a culture of goodwill as well as good publicity for corporations that choose to participate. Increased help for small, community based businesses, so they can keep prices competitive.

Every military dollar should be matched by a percentage to social programming. Not to cut funds as much as to ensure less waste and corruption. Stop subsidizing corporations that do the jobs of soldiers.

Somehow, we need to encourage American manufacture, I like president Obama's green initiative. Something along those lines to keep environmentally friendly manufacturing financially attractive.

Subsidized co-op day-cares, for those who choose this, encouraging parental involvement (without shaming those who are single parents, or who have to work two jobs)

So to become more progressive in today's political environment we need to assist those who are struggling, reward corporations and people who want to assist in educating our populace, keeping our children safe and secure, achieving and maintainin good healthcare. We need to hold military spending accountable, be environmentally friendly and always think of the future.