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But these opposing viewpoints also suggest a different idea: Contradictory statements can both be true. Yes, America's success lies partly in its dynamism and opportunity – and yes, progress requires that we provide for those who have lost their jobs or their health. In other words, if you set your dogma aside, you may find some truth in the ideals of people you've always disagreed with.

Which reminds me of something the extreme partisans would prefer we forget: governing in America has happened mainly in the middle zone, between the far left and far right. Yes, the differences are significant and worth negotiating over, but what we're really talking about is a few percentage points in tax rates, not a choice between socialism and the abolition of all taxes.

Contempt for the opposition may be profitable on talk radio, but it doesn't help the rest of us. All it accomplishes is to drive people further into their angry, fanatical corners.

This is the next political insight I'll be sharing with my kids.

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Originally posted by canttakesky:
My takeaway: extremism deadlocks us and prevents us from solving problems.

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
They temper their beliefs with what is practical and achievable, and are willing to make concessions with others and with themselves to get something done.

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
Hello,

I have often tried to talk about my contradictory beliefs. i.e. How can I consider the possibility of Universal Health Care when I also advocate small government?

And this segment you have quoted articulates it well.

There is a law in Arizona that requires you to surrender a drink of water if asked, free of charge. This law, in principle if not in scale, is functionally identical to Universal Health Care. It forces me to part with resources in order to help someone else. It creates charity at gunpoint, a kind of moralized theft, a premise I abhor.

So why aren't I up in arms, protesting in the street about this unfair law that requires me to hydrate people against my will? Water isn't free, you know. Making me give people water is outright theft.

But I can't bring myself to protest such a law. In principle it violates one set of beliefs, but in function it supports another set. The set that says you shouldn't just watch as people around you suffer and die when you could have done something to help. Something that, while it would cost you some money, probably wouldn't break you. Or even hurt you much.

Scaled up, it's why I don't want Universal Health Care... but could probably be convinced to accept it. It's just a bigger drink of water.

But with that knowledge comes the gnawing uneasiness that I'd be holding the gun to every citizen of the nation. I'd be cocking that gun and I'd be saying, "Give, or else."

And that makes me almost as sick as watching someone die.

It is these compromises and balances of ideals and beliefs that finds most people in the functional middle of the political spectrum (regardless of their strongly held philosophies.) They temper their beliefs with what is practical and achievable, and are willing to make concessions with others and with themselves to get something done.

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Originally posted by Hero:

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Originally posted by canttakesky:
My takeaway: extremism deadlocks us and prevents us from solving problems.

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Unless you are a problem solving extremist...

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
Hello,

Yes, we have an ineffective Universal Health Plan now, one whose goal is to stabilize patients and not to save them. One that also charges money under the threat of ruining credit ratings.

I hope nothing in my statement gave the impression that I fail to appreciate the nuances, cost, and counter-cost.

I meant to convey quite the opposite.

--Anthony

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
I appreciate the effort. But I prefer to feel the guilt. Even when making the least evil of evil choices, even when the greater part of good and glory are served, I feel one should face the full reality of every evil that they do.

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
But I prefer to feel the guilt. Even when making the least evil of evil choices, even when the greater part of good and glory are served, I feel one should face the full reality of every evil that they do.

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