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Stuck In the Middle
Remember the lyrics of the old Stealers Wheel song, "…stuck in the middle with you?" Often, in life, I sort of feel that way, except for my in my case it is Liberals to the left of me, Conservative to the right and here I am stuck in the middle with you! Extremism seems to be present in everything that we do. In some respects, and regardless of the topic, riding the fence has always seemed a bit spineless, but an accepted method of philosophy. You may have liked the Sox better than the Yankees, but you really could go either way. Maybe paper was your choice, but if your groceries happen to be put in a plastic bag, no biggie. Most of us who are born Southerners are convinced that we live in the chosen land, but we really don't hate New Yorkers. Never repeat that you heard me say that! It could have dire consequences. Some of us like the paper to come from the top of the roll, while others prefer it from the bottom of the roll, but no matter which angle you may find the paper it is not going to stop you from taking care of the business at hand (no pun intended). While most of us lean one way or the other on most issues, there has always been room for a little wiggle. Lately, it seems that the wiggle room has ceased to exist.
Now days, you are either from a blue state or a red state. You are either pro-life or pro-choice. You are either a flaming liberal or a hard core conservative. You are either for no laws, when it comes to firearms or you think that all guns should be melted and formed into a giant metal ball that could be used to roll over those on the opposing side. You are either pro-tax or no tax. There is not a place for those who, as the song says, find themselves stuck in the middle. As best as I have been able to learn, our form of government was based on a centrist attitude. Most people were either centrist liberals or centrist conservatives and the extremist fell sharply to each side. But, the line of demarcation as to political ideology seems to have shifted. We have had futile attempts with such titles as compassionate conservatives and moral-minded liberals, but neither of them has been able to achieve much staying power. We continue to be forced to the outer sanctums, as to our political choosing, if we want to have any say in who we elect.
For the record, I am a long, long, long, time Republican. For those who have even read a word that I have written you are probably going, "duh! You think?" However, while I embrace most republican ideas, it is not always that cut and dry for others that may be just as Republican as me. While I may feel firmly about their ideas, there is always room for other opinions. Many Republicans have rallied around issues that are foremost in their minds, from a personal perspective, but does not always personify the thoughts of the party as a whole. It is important that we consider opinions from all facets of the party, as well as, those who fall under more extreme notions. The same can be said of our Democratic friends. I know of many Democrats who are firmly entrenched in their religious values, and support such notions as prayer in the classroom, the Ten Commandments in our courthouses, even the death penalty, but their extreme left friends will admonish them quickly for appearing to be a conservative look-a-like when they offer these opinions. We could talk all day about many other such situations that cannot be rationally resolved based on extreme beliefs. Life is not always black or white and in fact is most often a very clear shade of gray.
Historians say that there has not been a time in modern history, when our country was so divided politically. We must find some way to attract all of those who have clear beliefs, as to their political philosophy but lean toward the center with their beliefs and not just extreme left or right. It is only with this attitude that we can refine a sense of balance in our country. Our entire being is based on a sense of balance. From the solar system to our political system, balance is the key. If everyone lines up to the extreme left or the extreme right of our political line, the line will surely break. Once the break occurs, I assure you it will cause some extreme consequences in the way that our world, as we know it, is shaped.
Just a "little" wiggle room. That is all that some people are asking for.
For further information, visit www.voice4victims.com
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