The lack of politcal center?

Question

How many feel the democratic party is no longer working mans party, and the republican party no longer the party that plays the role of smaller goverment. I feel goverment into too many things that the private sector would be better adapted at times. Black and White thinking on issuse tends to be problem in America because they dont factor other things about human nature, or society in general.

Answer 1

In a way, your answer is contained in your question.

The center is being redefined, and this will continue as long as our demographic makeup and technological progress continue to change our country.

Black and white thinking is part of this reshaping process, and will eventually give way to the new center as it gains strength by gradual adoption.

This needs to happen more quickly, though. Each passing year reveals an America that is less stable, less sure of itself. The longer this goes on, the sooner it will be exploited.

With the exception of a few issues, the next election does not look like a good one for centrists. The public seems more interested in designer candidates than consensus.

Nevertheless, somebody will be elected, either by the people or by sleight of hand. Let's hope they win by a convincing margin and begin to unite this divided nation.

Answer 2

I think "center" is the wrong way to look at it.

The Democrats have become Republican Lite (in the sense you suggest of supporting policies that are hurting the poor and especially middle class, in favor of the rich).

We don't want to be in the center of extreme right and far right; that won't help the 90% of us who aren't rich.

But the old "right/left" thing just doesn't work.

There are too many different issues, and different approaches to each.

But I do agree that neither party stands for what it did -- and people have begun to abandon them (for the Greens or the Libertarians, and other minor parties).

There are so many things that we should simply do, because they're good in every way.

Weaning from petroleum would be cheaper, cleaner, and politically smart, for example.

But the money wins, and everyone else loses.

Part of the problem with "center" is that the idea that "the truth is always in the middle" (understood as exactly half-way between the extremes) is simply not true.

Also, we've moved so far to the right (and haven't had a real left, to speak of), our "center" is right, not really center.

There's also the campaign of slander against the left and of liberals.

Liberals, we've been told over and over for decades, are the far, far left (not true, they're actually middle), and more recently, we're being told liberals are terrorists who hate America.

Thus, to not be off-the-charts, radical left, you HAVE to be, what is in fact, very far right.

If these terms really meant anything any more, if you follow.

If you DID follow this, please check in to the nearest mental health facility.

;-)

Answer 3

Nobody is for the working man anymore. Instead of really addressing the problems that are facing the citizens of the U.S., all we hear, besides Iraq, are the same old issues. We need somebody who will really get at the root of what is going on. Every issue is dealt with by hypocrisy. There really is no representation of the people anymore no matter which party.

How can we solve problems when morals are the resounding theme. Politicians are the last people I want telling me how to be moral. They are supposed to be running our government responsibly, not butting their noses in our lives.

Answer 4

We have two extremes working for the same end. Divide the population against each other. Regulate business till there is no free economy beyond corporate holdings. Tax the public to increase government to fix the disparaging gap between the classes. And create more government to protect them from us. No matter what coat they wear outside, behind closed doors they are all the same people working together in the us them effort.

Answer 5

How many people actually vote in the USA? The only ones who vote are the far left and right. So the politicians cater to the far right and left. The center is apathetic.

Answer 6

On your 1st point, yes. The Dems don't care about the middle class. On your 2nd point, remember 200 years ago, it was the conservative Federalist Party that backed a strong central government. Things go in cycles.

Answer 7

The most serious POLITICAL problem in this country is the RIGHT-WING BIAS OF THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA.