It is already clear that different people have different ideas as to what the word/concept of Values is. There are, of course, no right or wrong values, as anything a person values is a value. Recently the DFL as a party has been struggling with the concept. Primarily in response to some of our opponents insistence on claiming "Values" as their terrain. But also because there is a desire to clarify our own message and image. This turned out to be a difficult task. Afterall as the party for the people, we discover that people have a wide range of values. The recently released results for now focus on four "process" values: Opportunity, Accountability, Prosperity and Fair Play. These seem to hold promise, and at the same time serve as a challenge to our party and others. For advocating values and living them are always a challenge. That is the value of "Values." There is a more practical way of looking at values as well. A more concrete version of what values we stand for and will work toward. Here the current conclusion of the DFL is: Education, Jobs, Health Care and Transportation. These values provide a more concrete framework around which to frame a discussion and a direction. Both sets are clearly values. One set a bit more philosophical, the other a bit more concrete. Both are likely to change over time. That said, as important as a set of value may be, the ranking of a set of values differentialtes us all further. In a universe where the values under discussion were Job, Family, and God. there are six possible rankings. The ranking one chooses may well vary throughone's lifetime, but if we consider this simple set we can understand that a person who has the same values: God, Family & Job may respond to things differently than one who ranked Job, Family and God or some other order. Values are interesting and meaningful, but personal and evolving. For now I am comforatable with the set of Values the DFL is trending toward as sound, but there will always be those who might suggest others or rank others higher, etc. That process is what we call, "Politics." Earl Netwal Musing in the urban forest of the Nokomis East Neighborhood. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
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