San Francisco Values

It’s the latest Republican attack dog call– “We don’t want San Francisco values leading the way, etc.!”

Well, no kidding.  I’m sure they don’t.  It’s much easier to be complacent and always convinced you are right, than to engage in the rigorous practice of tolerance.    The solid San Francisco values of respect, tolerance and hospitality are just plain hard work.  It’s much easier to deliver stupid put-downs, than it is to build up common ground.  San Francisco values are not for the weak or lazy-minded.  They take constant work.  I don’t meant to set myself up as a perfect example, because I’m not.  But here are a few of the San Francisco values I have picked up over the last 30 years or so, and hold, oh so dear:

Value Number 1:  Feed and clothe and care for the homeless.  No matter how hard it is.  No matter how many of them.  Even though the work is endless.  Even though people disagree over how best to take care of them.  Keep trying.

Value Number 2:   Respect other people.  Even though they look different.  Even though they strike you as odd.  They are people, they have dignity, and you can learn something from each of them. Respect leads to diversity, and diversity is good. 

Value Number 3:  Speak up for what you believe.  It may seem that no one is listening, but you may do more good than you will ever know.

Value Number 4:  Love is good. 

Value Number 5:  Parks are good.

Value Number 6:  Walking and taking the bus are good ways to get to where you’re going.

Value Number 7:   Whatever happens, if we help each other, we can rebuild better than ever. 

And those are only a few San Francisco values.  Can you think of any more?  Yes, it’s a crazy place.  No, it isn’t perfect.  But there are reasons why everyone wants to be there.