The Dire Need for Moderate Politics

Picture, if you will, a finely crafted clock mounted on the wall, its intricate and precisely calibrated mechanisms humming along in harmony. At the heart of this symphony, the pendulum swings, oscillating back and forth in a steady, rhythmic cadence. Though it may seem a small and insignificant component, the pendulum's motion is in fact critical to the clock's accurate functioning. Without the pendulum's dynamic sway, the gears would falter, and the clock would fail to keep time. In much the same way, our political landscape is shaped by a pendulum swinging between left and right, driven by the ever-shifting forces of ideology and circumstance. And, as with the clock, it is the moderate center that finds equilibrium, holding the delicate balance between competing values and perspectives.

Throughout the arc of history, particularly in the United States, we've seen extreme and deeply entrenched ideals held dear by political parties and institutions. These beliefs were often held so firmly that their proponents were willing to go to great lengths to defend them. From the Civil War to the War on Drugs, from Jim Crow laws to the Vietnam War, and even in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides of the aisle have been responsible for errors in judgment. It is important to view these failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Less than two centuries ago, slavery was a commonplace institution in this country. While much progress has been made since then, there is still ample room for improvement. Advancement comes from recognizing our failures and working to correct them.

The primary obstacle to progress has always been dogmatism. Whether rooted in religious beliefs, political ideals, or social philosophies, dogmatic thinking tends to keep us mired in stagnation. This is not to say that all old ideas are inherently negative; indeed, elements of Buddhism, Stoicism, and Christianity have proven to be of great benefit to humanity. However, as an old Native American proverb reminds us, "The tree that cannot bend will crack in the wind." The individuals who fought and died for the Confederacy during the Civil War believed they were defending something inherently good, and it would be naive to think that similar issues do not persist in our society today.

Definitely not a cult.

We can easily look back at archaic religious beliefs and dismiss them as quaint, even ridiculous, but we must acknowledge that modern rigid beliefs exist as well. The near-religious fervor surrounding the Second Amendment and the zealotry found in certain "woke" ideologies on the Left are examples of this dogmatism in action. The problem is not that these ideas are inherently bad, but that those who have entrenched themselves in their respective camps refuse to engage with opposing views in a pragmatic and empathetic manner.

It is a fact that gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and yet we are stuck in an unproductive conversation about the 2nd amendment that is preventing us from making any real progress on this issue. The dogmatic view of the 2nd amendment is creating a tribalistic discourse that is preventing us from engaging in a constructive conversation about the role that firearms play in our society.

Unfortunately, many people are unwilling to entertain the possibility that there might be a better way to balance the right to bear arms with the need to keep our communities safe. They view any attempt to regulate guns as an infringement on their rights, and this absolutist thinking is not only unhelpful but also dangerous. We need to move beyond dogmatic positions and be willing to have an honest and open conversation about the practical steps we can take to reduce gun violence and protect our children.

Compounding this issue is a capitalistic system that incentivizes the stoking of division. Fox News and Donald Trump are prime examples of entities profiting from inflaming political discord and disseminating falsehoods. While organizations like MSNBC and The New York Times have their own biases, they do not quite reach the same level of pernicious influence. Nevertheless, when political bias infiltrates platforms like Twitter, feeding misinformation to journalists and the public in the name of profit and engagement, the spread of misinformation is perpetuated.

To address these issues, we must be willing to accept our failures, both individually and collectively. Yoda's wisdom from 2019's "The Last Jedi" rings true: "The greatest teacher, failure is." Failure should not be feared, but embraced as an opportunity for growth and personal development. It is dogmatism and blind obedience to antiquated or empty ideas, born of tribalism and groupthink, that prevent us from progressing. Only by shedding these shackles can we hope to find balance and move forward together.

In conclusion, we return to the image of the clock's pendulum, tirelessly swinging back and forth, a testament to the importance of balance and equilibrium. Like the pendulum, a non-dogmatic moderate middle can serve as the fulcrum that upholds our democracy, keeping it steady amid the tumult of competing ideologies. It is only by embracing pragmatism, open-mindedness, and empathy that we can truly heal our nation and foster growth.

As the pendulum of our politics swings, let us not be pulled to extremes by dogmatism or tribalism. Instead, let us find our bearings in the moderate center, where compromise and reason can prevail. By actively seeking common ground and engaging in thoughtful, respectful discourse, we can work together to address the challenges we face and create a brighter future for all.

For it is in the steady, measured rhythm of the pendulum that the clock finds its purpose and keeps accurate time. Similarly, it is in the embrace of moderate politics and the rejection of dogmatism that our nation can find unity and progress, moving forward as one in harmony and balance.