In the June, 2005, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lafayette, CO, newsletter Connections, appeared "Prophetic Justice Principles for America' by Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., Senior Minister with the Riverside Church in New York City. The Rev. Dr. Forbes proposed "a series of principles against which to test their leaders' policies for moral depth". As I read these "principles", it seemed that, with slight modification, they could be used as behavioral standards for elected representatives in addition to their intended purpose, a means "to test public policy [choices] against the principles of righteousness and justice in our society". Does the elected representative, by his or her vote:
1. Seek the common good, rather than the interest of an elite few?
2. Be truthful in facts and motives, eschewing private gain?
3. Promote unity & inclusion, reduce social polarization and fragmentation?
4. Care for the poor, reverse the ever-widening gap between rich and poor?
5. Protect the vulnerable, especially children, elderly and disadvantaged?
6. Guard freedom of thought and discussion from repression of dissent?
7. Encourage respect for fundamental rights and dignity of all people?
8. Support measures to insure ecological responsibility and sustainability?
9. Practice global citizenship without nationalism, imperialism and militarism?
10. Provide moral leadership, promote ethics and trust in public offices?
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