What Are We FOR?

What Are We FOR?

A Values Statement for Indivisible St. Johns

By Jennifer Cowart, MD

3/28/17

Right now, many Americans are finding themselves feeling disenfranchised from the political system. In 2017, that group is mostly comprised of people on the left. In 2009, that group was made up of people on the right. If you look at the American political landscape as a left/right continuum, it seems that political ideas are binary. Our two-party system further entrenches this idea, that support for a certain set of social ideas goes along with a certain set of economic ideas.

Coming together with the new Indivisible St. John’s group, we have a new vision which rejects this binary “us vs them” system. While we are a group that met initially in response to the election of President Trump, we decided to take a longer view. We want to be a “pro” group, not just an “anti” group. Our group is composed of liberals and conservatives who want to work together. We find that we have differences, but more in common, including a belief in a better America. Here are a few of our shared values for North Florida:

1)      Healthcare: We want to see the Florida uninsured rate drop toward zero. That may mean expanding Medicaid, improving employer-based coverage for small business, improving VA care, and new ways of increasing enrollment of young people. It may even mean Medicare for All. Improving healthcare access and coverage will strengthen our healthcare economy, bringing jobs to our region. We also believe women’s reproductive healthcare is not a separate issue, reducing the maternal mortality rate is critical, and that women should have control over their reproductive lives. Our vision for North Florida includes healthy people, who are protected from medical bankruptcy, and who do not forego treatment for medical conditions due to cost.

2)      Environment: Florida is a beautiful state. Some of us are motivated to protect the environment to preserve it for human enjoyment and outdoor activities; others to improve wildlife native to our area and reduce the harmful impact of non-native invasive species; still others due to concerns of environmental toxicity impacting human health. Our vision for North Florida involves a healthy environment for healthy people and wildlife.

3)      Poverty: We do not believe any of our children, or our neighbors’ children, should go hungry. Many of our neighbors are struggling with poverty and food insecurity. Helping our neighbors climb out of poverty will require a true community involvement. Our vision for North Florida involves a strong economy with low unemployment, good jobs, opportunities for educational advancement, and a strong safety net for those who are struggling.

4)      Education: We support school accountability and protections for students with disabilities, protected under federal law. We want to keep improving our strong public schools, investing in our children and their future. Our vision for North Florida involves strong educational opportunities for students in pre-K, K-12, and higher education, including vocational training.

5)      Racism: We stand against racism, both overt and structural, and stand for all people working together as allies against the insidious effects of racism. We know that we grow best as a region, state, and nation when all of our citizens are given the tools to succeed and structural barriers are removed. Our vision for North Florida involves reducing barriers to success for minorities while making sure that these groups are safe.

6)      Immigration: We are for thoughtful immigration reform, acknowledging the value and contribution of immigrants to our economy. America was founded by immigrants and strengthened by refugees. Our vision for North Florida involves strengthening the integration of these newcomers into our society.

7)      Anti-Semitism: We stand strongly against the recent increase in anti-Semitic attacks in Florida and across the nation. Our vision for North Florida includes our Jewish brothers and sisters and does not include anti-Semitism.

8)      LGBTQ: We stand with our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, who enrich our society and participate in our economy. The Equal Rights Ordinance is a step toward affirming rights for the City of Jacksonville and improving our economic competitiveness. Our vision for North Florida involves inclusivity, respect, and equal rights.

There are a number of other issues facing us as American residents of North Florida. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. We hope it shows an evidence-based approach to join together to face common problems and create common solutions. We won’t all agree on everything; in fact, we hope we won’t, as being a truly diverse group will bring breadth and depth to us all. Healthy debate, grounded in respect and fact, will help us all grow. We want to be an inclusive group, standing for things, rather than just against. We invite all residents to join us in coming up with and implementing effective solutions as a community, including advocating at every level of government to ensure that we grow together, Indivisible.