David, the quadrant strikes me as valid and useful. However, in realpolitik terms, what does it matter if most Republicans do not hold extreme views but GOP leadership and elites do? See Project 2025 and SCOTUS decisions, for example. If they return to power, extreme policies will likely become the law of the land, even if many in the GOP are not enthusiastic supporters of those policies. The antipathy toward the GOP is not based on a belief that all Republicans are extremists, but that they are fellow travelers with extremists. The same could be said of antipathy toward Democrats: not all are extremists, but too many are silent in the face of left-wing extremism. When centrists are not in charge, fears of extremism are reality-based.
All nice points, Steve. Here, perhaps the tribal two-party system fails to capture the moral nuance of our populace. This is a systems problem, whereas the piece is simply a call to take a more Spinoza-like stance: 'Do not weep, do not wax indignant, understand."
Thanks for explaining this in simple terms David. Intuitively we all seek balance. It’s what shores up basic needs of safety and security. Having said that, your graph and where the GOP sits on it feels like an over-correction in an attempt to restore that basic balance. I agree that most of us live towards the middle regardless of the label to which we ascribe. And yet, finger pointing and learned helplessness contribute to where we sit today. Understanding this is an important factor if we are going to recalibrate and evolve forward for the greater good. Although spiritual practice can be a contributor to our personal happiness, praying and magical thinking will not cure apathy, polarization, and our disconnection from one another. Only critical thinking, excellent communication and listening, and ultimately creative action will take us/society where it needs to go. Your piece provides great food for thought. We need more of it;-)
David, the quadrant strikes me as valid and useful. However, in realpolitik terms, what does it matter if most Republicans do not hold extreme views but GOP leadership and elites do? See Project 2025 and SCOTUS decisions, for example. If they return to power, extreme policies will likely become the law of the land, even if many in the GOP are not enthusiastic supporters of those policies. The antipathy toward the GOP is not based on a belief that all Republicans are extremists, but that they are fellow travelers with extremists. The same could be said of antipathy toward Democrats: not all are extremists, but too many are silent in the face of left-wing extremism. When centrists are not in charge, fears of extremism are reality-based.
All nice points, Steve. Here, perhaps the tribal two-party system fails to capture the moral nuance of our populace. This is a systems problem, whereas the piece is simply a call to take a more Spinoza-like stance: 'Do not weep, do not wax indignant, understand."
Thanks for explaining this in simple terms David. Intuitively we all seek balance. It’s what shores up basic needs of safety and security. Having said that, your graph and where the GOP sits on it feels like an over-correction in an attempt to restore that basic balance. I agree that most of us live towards the middle regardless of the label to which we ascribe. And yet, finger pointing and learned helplessness contribute to where we sit today. Understanding this is an important factor if we are going to recalibrate and evolve forward for the greater good. Although spiritual practice can be a contributor to our personal happiness, praying and magical thinking will not cure apathy, polarization, and our disconnection from one another. Only critical thinking, excellent communication and listening, and ultimately creative action will take us/society where it needs to go. Your piece provides great food for thought. We need more of it;-)
Thanks Lisa -- and the dot on the graph isn't a reality claim but a perception of reality claim.
Glad you enjoyed it.