In recent decades it has become de rigeur to discuss “values” as a shorthand for right-wing ideological thought: The impact of values and “value voters.” I think this is not only a false dichotomy, it is a cynical, dangerous and unAmerican trend. So, I'd like to start a discussion about what Ranters identify as “American” values. We're mostly Americans, but I invite our non-American allies to chime in, because their perspective is also important in understanding what it “means” to be American.

A well reasoned argument is like a diamond: impervious to corruption and crystal clear - and infinitely rarer.

Here, as elsewhere, people are outraged at what feels like a rigged game -- an economy that won't respond, a democracy that won't listen, and a financial sector that holds all the cards. - Robert Reich