Good Neighbors: A New Political Party

It’s time to fulfill a promise to an old friend. 

Despite being courted by both major parties, Mr. Rogers stayed out of politics.  He didn’t want his message to be co-opted by one side or the other.  His message was far bigger than any existing party.  Until now. 

It’s important to say very clearly from the beginning that the family of Fred Rogers, his estate, and his public television affiliates have not endorsed this party in any way (though they would be welcomed with loving arms.)

This is not the political party of Mr. Rogers, even though history shows that political parties only survive so long as they are connected to strong, guiding personalities.  But no, this is bigger than any one man; hero though he may be.  

This is an attempt by those of us who grew up with the message of Mr. Rogers to live up to that message and pay it forward.  

This is our way of telling him that we were listening, and we haven't forgotten.  

No more Democrats.  No more Republicans.  No more kinda/sorta offshoots of the same old tainted political parties with slightly different names.  It’s time to leave that baggage behind and start fresh.

It’s time for a “political“ party based on principle; not dogma.  A party that embraces decent human beings on all sides. 

And it can begin here.  Today.  With the lessons he taught us.  These will be the so-called “platform” of the party; lessons he taught us each day that serve as guidelines for how we face any new challenge as a nation and a party.

Will you say it with me?

  1. I will be kind.
  2. I will face facts.
  3. I will admit that it’s okay to be scared sometimes.
  4. But I will be courageous and resolute in the face of that fear.
  5. I will keep learning; at least a little every day.   
    • Maybe a documentary on how things are made?
  6. I will try to understand how things work before I fix them.
  7. I will not hesitate to ask for help, and to utilize the resources available to me.
  8. I will ask my friends and neighbors to share their education and expertise with me.
  9. I will be aware of the short and long-term consequences of my actions, and use that knowledge to guide my future actions.
  10. I will respect public servants.
    • And always say a friendly hello to the mail carrier!
  11. I will spend some time every day in the Land of Make-Believe, but never make important decisions until I’m solidly back in the real world. 
  12. I will support both the arts and the crafts.
  13. I will pay attention to traffic signals and traffic laws.
  14. I will make my religious views clear from how I live my life; not in my words, or my expectations for others. 
  15. I will support mass transit.
    • For example, trolleys!
  16. I will make civic engagement a part of my everyday life, and make my everyday life a civic one.
  17. I will lead by example.
  18. I will treat children with respect and dignity, rather than as future consumers.
  19. I will support education at all levels, in all walks of life, and in all daily activities.   
    • Every game can be a learning opportunity.
  20. I will support public broadcasting and it's mission.
  21. I will work for equal access for all.
  22. I will stand up to bullies.
  23. I will treat every stranger as a new friend and neighbor.
  24. I will take care of the fish and other animals.
  25. I will leave every place a little better than I found it.
  26. I will spend and save responsibly, and with long-term goals in mind.
  27. I will help others when I can because I can.
  28. And, above all, I will be a good neighbor to all; next door and around the world.

Start ​ now.  Get candidates elected in local races in the mid-terms.  Show it can be done, and then move on into the big leagues. In the meantime, support candidates of any party who best embody these values.

My friends, we can do better.  We will do better.

Join me.  Won’t you, please?

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