Lessening Political Extremism

Conservative Americans look at the United States and see all the right things about it, especially compared to many nations, where governments turn against their own people, and freedom is not respected. This can be viewed as being very patriotic.
    Liberal Americans cherish the ideals of freedom that the United States stands for, and see how we often fail to live up to them. They want us to do better. This is also very patriotic.
    Conservatives reverence the past and want to keep things the way they are as much as possible. Change is viewed suspiciously because of that. They find contentment in the structured stability of their thoughts and values. They are right to feel that way.
    Liberals look at inequality and how some fellow citizens suffer, and want to make a better future for them. They find that those who resist change are hurting other Americans. They are right to feel that way.
    Conservatives would feel most comfortable if everyone agreed with their stable view of the world, no matter how unstable it is. When they press this homogeneity of thought, they show themselves adverse to freedom, even as they champion it for themselves. What freedom is there when you can't disagree, or question things?
    Liberals would like everyone to agree with their agendas as well. They should remember that the special groups thay fight for do not consist of all the people. In this regard, they show themselves adverse to freedom even as they champion it for others. What freedom is there when you can't preserve what you have by resisting change?
    Sensible people who think for themselves see the value of both sides, and limitations as well. They are neither "bleeding heart liberals" nor "throw-back conservatives." As sensible people grow in numbers and reject the constant bickering of the last few decades, the two extremes will recede to a more sensible vision of the world, and hopefully see the cost of their own failures. Party bickering has been a costly waste of time that our nation has not profited from.
    Trench warfare between political extremes has managed to separate what must not be separated. We must no longer be a house divided by the closed minds of the few, and punditry of those who profit from conflict. Extremists on either side never represent more than half the people, and often far less. Their idea of one vote majority, with no compromise, has caused serious damage to the world we live in.
    We must listen to the candidates this year very carefully, and sharply condemn any lies, distortions, spin, and dirty politics that arise. And they will arise. Politicians listen to consultants who base their advice on past successes.
    The trouble with that is, they aren't listening to the needs of the people.

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