For the health of our nation.
Voices, rich in color and tone.
Voices diverse in thought and concern.
Sure, conservative voices are a part of the mix.
And so, too, progressives of all stripes and flavors.
We're in trouble now.
Because we had a single-tone choir.
Only certain voices.
Only a narrow band of sounds.
Limited ideas.
It won't help if suddenly progressives take it all.
Though I'd love to try that for awhile.
But we need balance.
Not the kind of balance that goes nowhere.
But a balance sufficient.
That every voice can be heard.
Yet, like so many things
It has to move along.
It can't just spin in circles.
Conservatives have made it clear.
They don't like change.
Nor diversity.
They're white and don't like color.
They're afraid of gender questions.
And they don't trust women.
On anyone out of their small sense of "ordinary."
Let their voice be heard.
But, for heaven's sake.
Let's get one with the program.
America on the progressive road.
Rights, they're called.
The four rights of FDR would be just fine.
To head the list.
On top of the program.
The first is freedom of speech and expression.
The second is freedom of every person to worship god in his own way.
The third is freedom from want.
The fourth is freedom from fear.
Let the conservatives offer their own set of values.
Their vision for tomorrow.
For sure.
But as for me and my house.
I want a progressive America.
A nation that exalts in liberty for all.
And justice, too.
A nation that trusts women in all regards.
A nation not afraid of Transgendered people.
A nation that despises the symbols of fascism and slavery.
A nation determined to provide for all of its citizens:
There's much we can do.
And we need everyone's voice.
Not to shout at one another.
But to seek a harmony of sorts.
And to move the song along.
Perhaps some will slow it down a bit.
Others to keep it going.
We need the conservative voice.
But more than that, we need
The progressive voice.
To look to the future for its advice.
And the future always speaks.
It beckons us to leave behind.
And so to press on.
And in the doing,
The brave will find hope.
The world some peace.
And people, everywhere, the four freedoms.
