Principles
for Renewal
The United States of America, born of noble ideals and aspiring to high purpose, has been an exemplar of self-government to humankind. Thus, when in our democratic republic, forces of conspiracy, division, and extremism arise, it is the patriotic duty of citizens to act collectively in defense of liberty and justice. We therefore call for an American renewal and do so in partnership with others committed to the preservation of our Union. With abiding belief in the value and potential of every soul and with goodwill for all, we hereby dedicate ourselves to these principles and make common cause in the flourishing of the great state of Utah, America and its diverse states, communities, and citizens.
1. Reaffirm our founding ideals
We reaffirm the self-evident truth that all persons are created equal and free, having the same inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that it is the prerogative of all to make personal decisions in accordance with their free will. We therefore condemn all forms of bigotry such as racism, antisemitism and other religious intolerance, sexism, and persecution based on sexual orientation.
2. Defend the Constitution
We uphold the Constitution as the inviolable and collective contract protecting liberty and justice for all, and honor the essential separation and balance it establishes among coequal branches of the federal government and the states.
3. Protect American democracy
We seek the preservation and betterment of our democratic republic and the endurance of our self-government, free from foreign interference. We support reforms that make our system more accessible, transparent, and competitive, oppose the intentional disenfranchisement of voters, and reject extremism, whether of the right or the left.
4. Seek and promote truth
We recognize truth and reason as essential to a free and just society, and expect our leaders, citizens, and press to seek and promote them. We oppose the employment of fear mongering, conspiracy theories, and falsehoods and instead support evidence-based policymaking and honest discourse.
5. Uphold the rule of law
We maintain that the impartial rule of law is essential to a free and just society to protect the rights, safety and property of all people. No one is above the law, including public officials, and our criminal justice system must treat everyone equally without discrimination based on race, status or other unrelated factors.
6. Demand ethical government
We demand that public officials and aspiring leaders act in the best interests of the country – even when in conflict with their political parties – and with integrity and honor, the absence of which is a harbinger for abuses of power that threaten the republic.
7. Preserve American pluralism
We are committed to a pluralistic society defined by its ideals and welcoming to immigrants rightfully seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life by becoming contributing members of our diverse nation. We reject the notion that America should be defined by the races, birthplaces, religious affiliations, or partisan identities of its founders or groups of citizens.
8. Promote civic responsibility
We believe that all Americans share civic responsibility, which is essential for our self-government and national success. Thriving communities are built by dutifully engaged citizens and good faith efforts to overcome differences with mutual respect and the bonds of civil affection. The solutions to many of America’s greatest challenges can only be found in our diverse communities.
9. Expand economic opportunity
We recognize open, market-based economies as consistent with our natural liberty and the optimal means of ensuring economic mobility and the allocation of scarce resources. Capitalism, while insufficient to address all matters of the public interest, has made America the most prosperous nation on earth and is the engine for innovation and economic growth. We support sensible and limited regulation, including to ensure equal opportunity, and affirm government’s vital role in assisting vulnerable citizens, while encouraging self-reliance without the impediments of cronyism and corruption.
10. Sustain freedom of speech
We reaffirm the Constitution’s guarantee of free speech and freedom of the press as essential to accountable government and the American way of life. We sustain the rights of individuals and private entities to exercise this freedom, even to express unpopular views, and condemn efforts to erode press freedom and public support for its vital role.
11. Honor our conservation responsibilities
We consider vital our shared stewardship of America’s resources – natural, environmental, and financial. We accept responsibility to conserve for ourselves and future generations these public assets, and to protect them from both natural and man-made harms.
12. Advance our common defense and general welfare
We uphold that government is instituted by the people to secure those essential, collective goods that individuals cannot attain for themselves, particularly providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare. We therefore support policies that further public safety, health, and defense as required for enduring national sovereignty and prosperity.