Norm Geras et al get together in a pub and come out with the Euston Manifesto, a new statement of liberal principles among those with “unambiguous democratic commitment.” It is a work in progress and a good one.
I won’t try to quote pieces of it, even its defense of America against anti-Americanism. Do go read the entire manifesto. Here is its conclusion:
t is vitally important for the future of progressive politics that people of liberal, egalitarian and internationalist outlook should now speak clearly. We must define ourselves against those for whom the entire progressive-democratic agenda has been subordinated to a blanket and simplistic “anti-imperialism” and/or hostility to the current US administration. The values and goals which properly make up that agenda — the values of democracy, human rights, the continuing battle against unjustified privilege and power, solidarity with peoples fighting against tyranny and oppression — are what most enduringly define the shape of any Left worth belonging to.
We need this in America as well.
