The values we share as Americans keep our nation strong in the short, medium and long term.
Democracy
Look around the world. People in other countries are often silenced, told when to speak, and told what faith they must practice. They suffer the tyranny of the government in ways most Americans have not experienced for generations. Their governments make no effort to hide their corruption, and no press or watchdog is allowed to interfere. Democracy may be slow, messy, and imperfect, but we (almost always) peacefully transfer power, make corruption transparent, and self-correct. Our businesses, non-profits, and governments at all levels innovate and are held to account. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a strong and resilient democracy.
Separation of Powers
Absolute power corrupts absolutely...few truer words have been spoken. If you're happy with today, think about how you felt four years ago. If you're unhappy with our current government, be thankful that in America, one group interprets the laws, and another executes them. It's mostly worked for 250 years. Let's keep it.
Freedom of Speech
In many other countries, people who speak their minds out loud literally turn up dead in the streets. In America, iron sharpens iron, and the answer to most bad free speech is more free speech. When people are silenced the result is tyranny--in other words, the large scale persecution of people and groups, and foolish decisions that drag down all Americans. We treasure the right to be heard!
Grounding in Facts
Remember Congressman Joseph McCarthy? if you don't, look him up. As a result of his vindictiveness, innuendo, and outright lies, our country convicted innocent Americans in the court of public opinion, ruining the careers and lives of many Americans. This is only one reason why at the core of our debates, there should be a respect for facts. Facts (plus inspiration) took America to the Moon. Facts drive science and technology and transforms our lives for the better. We'll always debate facts. We must respect them, when they become obvious, and then debate the policies they imply.
Rule of Law
Few things are more discouraging than knowing you're playing on a rigged field. It demotivates people, saps energy, and kills innovation. And as much as businesses and people want few rules and little regulation, what they want more is a fair shot at opportunity, and consistent rules for everyone. It's not complicated. The rule of law ultimately favors the people. Far more than the alternative, it opens opportunity for all!