Why I'm a Moderate...

For the past several months, I've been trying to get fellow moderates to pick a day for a moderate blogging blitz. I ultimately chose today because it coincides with Jon Stewart's rally, the concept of which is the exact reason I think moderates need to speak up. On both sides of the aisle there is too much vitriol, too much conflict and rancor, and so I will tell you why I'm a moderate in hopes it might help some to "take it down a notch for America."

First, though, it bears mentioning that being moderate is not another way of saying being apathetic. It doesn't mean being lazy. It doesn't mean being weak. It requires more work than any other mindset (note that I didn't say ideology) because it requires research on every issue to develop an opinion.

Moderates get attacked from both sides (usually by pundits) using those arguments for a simple reason: Moderates are unpredictable. You can never group them together into a single mass and pander to them. This is why there is no moderate party.

Now, on to the show:

I am a moderate because I will not let others tell me what I should think.

I am a moderate because I don't believe that just because someone is fiscally conservative they must also be socially conservative.

I am a moderate because I don't believe that just because someone is fiscally liberal they must also be socially liberal.

I am a moderate because I don't believe people have to be entirely fiscally (or socially) liberal or conservative.

I am a moderate because I choose to select my positions on issues a la carte.

I am a moderate because I believe politics is the art of the compromise.

I am a moderate because I don't think compromise is a bad thing and will not no matter who tries to argue that it is waffling.

I am a moderate because I believe it to be a virtue to change opinions on an issue if a new understanding or new evidence invalidates the old opinion.

I am a moderate because I believe both sides of the aisles have good ideas.

I am a moderate because I don't believe either side has nothing but good ideas.

I am a moderate because I don't believe in forcing people to agree with me.

I am a moderate because I choose to ascribe what I see as bad behavior to ignorance or a lack of charisma rather than to malice.

I am a moderate because I recognize that the choices I make don't have to be the only options for everyone.

I am a moderate because I don't believe reductio ad Hitlerum is conducive to a reasoned and logical discussion of anything (except perhaps World War II or related subjects).

I am a moderate because I believe you are entitled to your own opinion even if we disagree (especially if we disagree).

I am a moderate because I think things will work out if we work together.

Fellow moderates, feel free to add your own in the comments below.