Extremism will be the death of this country. Each side, ultra-liberal and uber-conservatives, wraps itself in the Constitution, albeit in their narrow interpretation of it. They fail to see that the document is the epitome of compromise.
Although one might argue the compromise that is the Second Amendment might be a poor example. But nothing is perfect.
And no matter which element is in power, they proclaim the other side is pure evil and unworthy of any attention other than finding ways to eliminate them—compromise = surrender.
I recently read an opinion piece in the Arizona Republic. The teaser/headline made the provocative contention that Arizona—that once exclusively Republican enclave—could learn something by emulating San Fransisco.
This, of course, sparked outrage. How could Arizona benefit from adopting policies that left San Francisco a city of discarded needles, rampant drug use, and tent cities occupying entire neighborhoods?
This was precisely the author’s goal.
What the author pointed out was that the changes now happening in San Fransisco—moderate political factions taking over from the lunatic fringe ultra-liberals Democrats—could be emulated here by similar moderate political candidates taking over from the uber-conservative, yet equally Loonie, Republicans.
In other words, reclaiming government for those who understand extremism in all its forms is dangerous, and compromise is not capitulation. There are signs it is happening here: a Democratic Governor, Attorney General, and both United States Senators are not Republicans nor extremists.
The Greeks lived by a philosophy known as the Delphic Maxims, inscribed on the temple at Delphi. One is Μηδὲν ἄγαν: Nothing too much
In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the archangel Michael advises Adam to “observe the rule of not too much… in what thou eat’st and drink’st, seeking from thence due nourishment, not gluttonous delight.”
Modern versions of this include “Nothing to excess, everything in moderation.” While the admonitions may have originally been dietary advice, they can easily be applied to other aspects of life, including political philosophies.
Instead of “In God We Trust” emblazoned on our coins and adorning our buildings—which raises all sorts of extremism among various faiths—we should put “Nothing to Excess.”
It would be a constructive compromise, reminding us of the value of differing opinions and philosophies and respecting the views of others.
If ever there was a time for moderation and compromise in this country it is now. We face an existential crisis that can change the course of our future. One path leads us to ruin the other to a renaissance and new Age of Reason. Choose wisely.
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The Writing of Joe Broadmeadow 