A Liberal Manifesto

Bruce Ackerman and Todd Gitlin offer a concise account of liberal principles in response to the great issues of the day, in the current Prospect. Their key conclusions:

We believe that the abuses of power that have been commonplace under Bush's rule must be laid not only at his door -- and the vice president's -- but at the doors of a conservative movement that has, for decades, undermined government's ability to act reasonably and effectively for the common good.

We love this country. But true patriotism does not consist of bravado or calumny. It resides in faithfulness to our great constitutional ideals. We are a republic, not a monarchy. We believe in the rule of law, not secret prisons. We insist on justice for all, not privilege for the few. In repudiating these American ideals, the Bush administration disgraces America and damages our claim to democratic leadership in the larger world.

Please read it. Please consider signing it, and join the list of distinguished Americans who are trying to keep the light of liberty from being extinguished.