TiredVoter Posted July 7 Report Share Posted July 7 In our current political environment, many Americans feel disconnected, unheard, and worried about the future. Amidst the noise of extreme views and sensationalized media, it's important to recognize that most people in this country consider themselves moderate—neither strictly conservative nor liberal, but practical and balanced in their beliefs. Today's political scene often feels like a battlefield dominated by the loudest, most extreme voices, overshadowing the reasonable majority. This polarization misrepresents the essence of America and disregards the principles of our Constitution. Our nation is founded on human rights, personal freedoms, and the belief that every voice counts. Yet, many citizens feel their opinions are being overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and sensational media coverage. The middle ground, where most Americans stand, is a place of reason, compromise, and understanding. It is here that we find the potential for true progress and unity. Our country needs the middle to step forward and be heard, to reclaim the narrative from the fringes that seek to pull us apart. The media, too, has a vital role to play in this. Rather than feeding the flames of division with sensationalism, it must strive to present a balanced and realistic portrayal of our nation’s challenges and opportunities while celebrating our successes. The Constitution grants us the rights to free speech, assembly, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are meant for all Americans. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these rights are upheld and our democratic processes reflect the will of the people. When the middle is ignored and pragmatic voices are sidelined, our democracy suffers. As Americans, we must demand that our media and politicians focus on issues that matter to us all—healthcare, education, economic stability, and the preservation of our inalienable rights. We must advocate for policies that reflect the values of the many, not the extremes of the few. In recent years, fears have grown about freedoms being eroded for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and non-Christians. Embracing the middle ground is the key to healing our divisions and building an inclusive, just future. It is only through embracing the middle that we can hope to heal our divisions and build a future that is inclusive and just for all. America needs the middle now more than ever. By elevating the voices of reason and moderation and reducing sensationalism, we can guide our country toward unity and progress. Let's commit to this path and ensure our democracy truly reflects the people it serves. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatomontes99 Posted July 8 Report Share Posted July 8 I am going to go out on a limb and say that an argument of reason and compromise won't play well on a political forum. Not that you aren't wrong. You just won't be heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CdnFox Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 (edited) On 7/6/2024 at 9:23 PM, TiredVoter said: The middle ground, where most Americans stand, is a place of reason, compromise, and understanding. It is here that we find the potential for true progress and unity. Our country needs the middle to step forward and be heard, to reclaim the narrative from the fringes that seek to pull us apart. It's fine to say that, but the biggest problem is voters simply do not reward reason and compromise. Reason is seen as having no moral compass. Compromise is seen as not standing up for your principles. Very frequently they run polls again and again asking people if they approve of negative attack ads or if they would like to see less of them. Overwhelmingly people say they would like to see less. Yet every single time they are used people respond tremendously well to it. So why would a political party take a stance that they know is not going to be rewarded by the public? The public doesn't actually really need to step forward. They just need to vote sensibly. Join one of the two big parties and refuse to vote for anyone who isn't a person of reason and bringing people together. Do the same for senators and for the presidency. Parties will get the message fairly quickly that radicals are not welcome on either side. But that is not what the public does. The public allows itself to become polarized and rewards bad behavior and extremist thinking. You ain't fixing nothing till you fix that Edited July 9 by CdnFox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robosmith Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 4 hours ago, gatomontes99 said: I am going to go out on a limb and say that an argument of reason and compromise won't play well on a political forum. Not that you aren't wrong. You just won't be heard. He is heard a lot more than your 1-2 line gotchas with your naked links. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CdnFox Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 5 hours ago, gatomontes99 said: I am going to go out on a limb and say that an argument of reason and compromise won't play well on a political forum. Not that you aren't wrong. You just won't be heard. I think the sentiment will be well received, the problem will be that everyone will interpret reasonable and compromising as being what the other side should be doing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myata Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 This is very true that political system is failing America. It is detached and runs for its own benefit rather than that of the citizens. But one has to remember always, that democracy is not a miraculous supermarket but a tool, instrument for free citizens to run their affairs according to their ideals and principles. No tool will run forever if left neglected and unattended: it will rust, dust and corrode. So, it is the responsibility of the citizens to clean and maintain their democracy, if they want to keep running their affairs to their ideals and principles. 1 1 Quote If it's you or them, the truth is equidistant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Hardner Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 10 hours ago, robosmith said: He is heard a lot more than your 1-2 line gotchas with your naked links. Is that the poster who cut/pasted a 3-line ode to Slavery ? If so, it's pretty rich soup being served there... 15 minutes ago, myata said: So, it is the responsibility of the citizens to clean and maintain their democracy, if they want to keep running their affairs to their ideals and principles. The one thing that the Chuds and Yahoos are saying that might be convincing me is that we're getting pretty far into "can't fix" territory. The implications are dire. Quote Click to learn why Climate Change is caused by HUMANS Michael Hardner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myata Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 24 minutes ago, Michael Hardner said: The implications are dire. Like Nero, Caligula etc, with nukes? 1 Quote If it's you or them, the truth is equidistant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CdnFox Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 (edited) 49 minutes ago, myata said: This is very true that political system is failing America. It is detached and runs for its own benefit rather than that of the citizens. But one has to remember always, that democracy is not a miraculous supermarket but a tool, instrument for free citizens to run their affairs according to their ideals and principles. No tool will run forever if left neglected and unattended: it will rust, dust and corrode. So, it is the responsibility of the citizens to clean and maintain their democracy, if they want to keep running their affairs to their ideals and principles. Actually that was a pretty good post. As you say democracy is not ideal or a panacea - it's big benefit is that it's better than all the other systems we've got and it frequently needs to be cleaned up and maintained. 34 minutes ago, Michael Hardner said: Is that the poster who cut/pasted a 3-line ode to Slavery ? If so, it's pretty rich soup being served there... The one thing that the Chuds and Yahoos are saying that might be convincing me is that we're getting pretty far into "can't fix" territory. The implications are dire. ahhh mike - you rabid conservative you Edited July 9 by CdnFox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legato Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 41 minutes ago, Michael Hardner said: Is that the poster who cut/pasted a 3-line ode to Slavery ? If so, it's pretty rich soup being served there... The one thing that the Chuds and Yahoos are saying that might be convincing me is that we're getting pretty far into "can't fix" territory. The implications are dire. Be done with the cowardly proxy attacks. How many seconds do you need. All hat no cattle. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deluge Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 On 7/6/2024 at 10:23 PM, TiredVoter said: In our current political environment, many Americans feel disconnected, unheard, and worried about the future. Amidst the noise of extreme views and sensationalized media, it's important to recognize that most people in this country consider themselves moderate—neither strictly conservative nor liberal, but practical and balanced in their beliefs. Today's political scene often feels like a battlefield dominated by the loudest, most extreme voices, overshadowing the reasonable majority. This polarization misrepresents the essence of America and disregards the principles of our Constitution. Our nation is founded on human rights, personal freedoms, and the belief that every voice counts. Yet, many citizens feel their opinions are being overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and sensational media coverage. The middle ground, where most Americans stand, is a place of reason, compromise, and understanding. It is here that we find the potential for true progress and unity. Our country needs the middle to step forward and be heard, to reclaim the narrative from the fringes that seek to pull us apart. The media, too, has a vital role to play in this. Rather than feeding the flames of division with sensationalism, it must strive to present a balanced and realistic portrayal of our nation’s challenges and opportunities while celebrating our successes. The Constitution grants us the rights to free speech, assembly, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are meant for all Americans. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these rights are upheld and our democratic processes reflect the will of the people. When the middle is ignored and pragmatic voices are sidelined, our democracy suffers. As Americans, we must demand that our media and politicians focus on issues that matter to us all—healthcare, education, economic stability, and the preservation of our inalienable rights. We must advocate for policies that reflect the values of the many, not the extremes of the few. In recent years, fears have grown about freedoms being eroded for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and non-Christians. Embracing the middle ground is the key to healing our divisions and building an inclusive, just future. It is only through embracing the middle that we can hope to heal our divisions and build a future that is inclusive and just for all. America needs the middle now more than ever. By elevating the voices of reason and moderation and reducing sensationalism, we can guide our country toward unity and progress. Let's commit to this path and ensure our democracy truly reflects the people it serves. America needs the middle after the middle has been moved to the true center. Until then, America needs MAGA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myata Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 2 hours ago, Deluge said: America needs MAGA. A fascist-admiring authoritarian or already beyond intolerant of dissent and independent opinion and position personality cult. Only factual: why use misleading acronyms? "Wir werden Deutschland wieder groß machen" (1932) "Make America great again" (MAGA) Quote If it's you or them, the truth is equidistant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deluge Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 (edited) 49 minutes ago, myata said: A fascist-admiring authoritarian or already beyond intolerant of dissent and independent opinion and position personality cult. Only factual: why use misleading acronyms? "Wir werden Deutschland wieder groß machen" (1932) "Make America great again" (MAGA) The only intolerance here is you cult loving fascists against patriotic Americans. YOU are closer to Hitler than I could EVER be. Edited July 9 by Deluge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CdnFox Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 47 minutes ago, myata said: A fascist-admiring authoritarian or already beyond intolerant of dissent and independent opinion and position personality cult. Only factual: why use misleading acronyms? (1932) "Make America great again" (MAGA) It was also used by john f kennedy, regan, clinton... it's a classic line that's been used by political leaders all around the world for hundreds of years. It's right up there with "time for change'" So are you saying Kennedy was a nazi? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reason10 Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 On 7/7/2024 at 12:23 AM, TiredVoter said: In our current political environment, many Americans feel disconnected, unheard, and worried about the future. Amidst the noise of extreme views and sensationalized media, it's important to recognize that most people in this country consider themselves moderate—neither strictly conservative nor liberal, but practical and balanced in their beliefs. Today's political scene often feels like a battlefield dominated by the loudest, most extreme voices, overshadowing the reasonable majority. This polarization misrepresents the essence of America and disregards the principles of our Constitution. Our nation is founded on human rights, personal freedoms, and the belief that every voice counts. Yet, many citizens feel their opinions are being overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and sensational media coverage. The middle ground, where most Americans stand, is a place of reason, compromise, and understanding. It is here that we find the potential for true progress and unity. Our country needs the middle to step forward and be heard, to reclaim the narrative from the fringes that seek to pull us apart. The media, too, has a vital role to play in this. Rather than feeding the flames of division with sensationalism, it must strive to present a balanced and realistic portrayal of our nation’s challenges and opportunities while celebrating our successes. The Constitution grants us the rights to free speech, assembly, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are meant for all Americans. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these rights are upheld and our democratic processes reflect the will of the people. When the middle is ignored and pragmatic voices are sidelined, our democracy suffers. As Americans, we must demand that our media and politicians focus on issues that matter to us all—healthcare, education, economic stability, and the preservation of our inalienable rights. We must advocate for policies that reflect the values of the many, not the extremes of the few. In recent years, fears have grown about freedoms being eroded for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and non-Christians. Embracing the middle ground is the key to healing our divisions and building an inclusive, just future. It is only through embracing the middle that we can hope to heal our divisions and build a future that is inclusive and just for all. America needs the middle now more than ever. By elevating the voices of reason and moderation and reducing sensationalism, we can guide our country toward unity and progress. Let's commit to this path and ensure our democracy truly reflects the people it serves. 1. Donald Trump was the most CENTRIST president in the history of the country. Next to him, George W. Bush was pretty centrist. Both presidents managed to p!ss off the left and the right equally, although Bush was better at pissing people off than anyone. That pretty much is it, when it comes to centrists. 2. Reagan was a mainstream conservative, who gave America the greatest economy of all time as well as world peace. 3. Carter, KKKlinton, Saddam Hussein Obama, Unelected Joe, were two things (a) extreme far lefters, and (b) the WORST presidents in history. 4. If you look to the past, you'd be shocked. John F. Kennedy governed to the right of Reagan. (tax cuts, deregulation) 5. As far as Americans feeling disconnected, uh even Helen Keller would feel more connected today than at any other time in history. EVERYTHING political is available to anyone with a computer or a cell phone. There are places like this EVERYWHERE, where people can voice their political opinions as often as they like. And politicians look at certain places to judge where public opinion is headed. ( Certainly cheaper than hiring expensive pollsters.) 6. We HAVE been demanding that our media and politicians focus on issues that matter to us all. In fact, that's ALL people do, when they don't have their hand out, wanting something from the government. That doesn't represent the middle. That represents people with more time on their hands than they need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impartialobserver Posted July 9 Report Share Posted July 9 I would agree with the OP but what should be is not the same as what is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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