They say all things have a beginning and an end (except perhaps for the TV run of The Simpsons) and that’s true.
In the 1990s we saw the beginning of intense partisanship and polarization, with the flames fanned by right wing talk radio. And now we have left wing talk radio (to fan the flames being fanned).
Today there are signs that an increasing number of Americans -- Democrats, Republicans and most assuredly independents -- are fed up with mega-partisanship and polarization and seek solution-oriented politics. And there are signs that these disgruntled feelings could translate into political impact -- into votes for more independent party candidates or perhaps even a third party candidacy.
And, literally today, yours truly begins a weekly column here on Unity08, written from the standpoint of a centrist and a moderate who is all over the place politically, always has been, and who humbly points out that centrists and moderates DO take stands -- often passionate ones. And taking a passionate stand against the prevailing polarization which tries to force centrists and moderates to choose sides and cross over to the left view or the right is one of them. Being independent and all over the place politically is not a sin.
In coming weeks we’ll be writing about some broad issues, but also about stories in the news. Be forewarned: you won’t always agree with me. But then no one ever has.
I’ve been a Democrat, a pro-Vietnam Democrat, an anti-Vietnam war Democrat (after Nixon invaded Cambodia), a moderate Republican, a conservative Republican, a progressive Democrat, a Reagan Democrat, a John McCain Republican, and now I’ve arrived at The Truth and Political Perfection and am an unabashed independent…and will remain so for life. I’ve voted for Republicans and Democrats, split my ticket, voted straight party lines and sometimes voted for someone once, then voted against him later on.
Why? It’s because my loyalty is to values and beliefs that don’t change just because it's tactically or strategically important to keep someone who I voted for in power. I’m always reading new info to see if my position is correct. I don’t belong to any political sports “team” where my loyalty is to my side prevailing no matter what traditional value must be jettisoned to stay in office. And if you read my blog The Moderate Voice you will see that there is some consistency in belief.
Above all, like many who’ve grown weary of partisanship and polarization, I read and listen to a ton of stuff and may change my viewpoint if new information shows I had an earlier position that wasn’t correct. This flexibility and willingness to consider other ideas in a constant search for SOLUTIONS is what sets many centrists and moderates apart from those who characterize them as closet liberals or closet conservatives because they don’t agree with every single belief that they have.
Last week there was much justified publicity about the landmark convention of liberal bloggers put together by Daily Kos in Las Vegas. But, more quietly, centrists around the country have been organizing as well. A meeting in New York last month drew centrists from all over the country plus some phone talks with prominent national centrist figures. Now you have Unity08. All this comes amid growing battles over defining ideology in the Democratic and Republican partisan-- so much so that in 2024, the presidential primaries promise to be as nasty (if that is possible) as a typical Presidential campaign.
So once a week I’ll offer you my humble, always independent view here. You may agree or disagree but as I always say differing ideas don’t cause brain cancer. My vote doesn’t automatically belong to anyone (including to Unity08).
My opinions may sometimes be strong opinions. But they’ll never be any party or candidate’s talking points or arguments regurgitated up from watching a radio or cable talk show. And so it begins…in more ways than one.
