What's a Radical Moderate?

Before going further with my ‘dublog,’ I want to explain where I think I’m coming from. Why do I call myself a radical moderate, and why am I keeping those earlier political commentaries on the blog?

The media call North Carolina a “battleground” state.  This means about a third of the people lean left politically, and a third lean right.  The rest are somewhere in the middle, swaying back and forth.  This might appear to be an unbalanced situation, but actually, it shows that many people listen to both sides of an argument, and make choices based on details rather than loyalty to one political party.  I am proud of our state, where most people prefer barbecue and basketball to politics.  While I am in the Democratic camp, I have many friends who are Republicans, and I’m married to an old-fashioned conservative who sways with that middle third.  If the two of us can find so much in common for over 2 decades now, you would think the folks in Washington could learn to compromise too.

I believe a healthy country needs a balance of free enterprise and social safety net along with a strong public school system, unencumbered media, and uncorrupted government.  My guiding question is usually ‘What will most benefit our children?’  As a moderate, I try to improve the institutions we have, instead of advocating massive changes that disrupt people’s lives and get expensive.  I don’t like to waste time, talent, or money.  I believe children benefit from learning to have a strong work ethic, no matter how privileged their upbringing, and this is a lesson many of us privileged American parents and teachers have trouble imparting.  I believe every child needs and deserves love, attention to their health, and access to decent education so they may support themselves and make positive contributions when they grow up.  But any child, rich or poor, who is given many additional ‘wants’ without working for them, develops a sense of entitlement instead of self-reliance.  (For more political opinions, look at those earlier blog entries.)

And these are my humble opinions.  As a “sweet Carolina girl,” I hate to offend anyone.  Everyone has different perspectives and good points to make.  So it feels radical to express my opinions, knowing that others may disagree.  I believe it is important for the moderate voice to be heard, especially when we ask for compromise in the best interests of our country and world.  I also draw strength from stories of heroes, my family, and moderate friends who ask me to keep expressing ideas they often agree with.  But no one is right all the time, including me.  So I beg your pardon in advance, if my words offend you.  And respectful disagreement in the comments section of a blog can be healthy – discussion leads to sharing of ideas and new thoughts.  So go ahead – tell me what you think – just try to use good manners please, so we can have a kinder, gentler, healthier nation.

Yes, I am slightly left of center in both religious and political views.  I used to think these were separate issues, but Americans have become more religious about our politics and political in our religions, particularly since the events of 9/11/2001.  I believe the trauma of that day still frightens and angers many Americans.  Our recent elections and frequent massacres indicate that America needs some major therapy sessions.  Our country is like many victims of violent crime, who turn their anger inward and need help to acknowledge and process their fear and pain before they can let it go.  Victims who hold on to their anger allow the criminals to continue hurting them.  In America’s case, with our finger-pointing and fractured government, we weaken our country and help the 9/11 terrorists win.  We need to climb out of the muddy rut we’ve been in, find higher common ground, support all our leaders and people, and take steps to make our country strong enough to last another 250 years or more.

Our church lost a caring family member on 9/11.  But Sandy Bradshaw was such a positive, cheerful person that to remember her with anger would make her sad.  So after 9/11, I put my grief energy into helping my daughter’s teachers create an International Peace Site at their Montessori school.  We tried to help our next generation learn to respect differences and solve problems using words instead of violence.  This project had a profound impact, got me involved in the PTA and local politics, and showed how I could use my talents to make a positive difference.  I am still inspired by Sandy’s heroism on 9/11, and the thought of how she might have used her energy if our roles had been reversed.

When I worry about getting too radical for conservative friends, I try to remember all the people who have spoken or written over the centuries to ask for positive change.  I want to be one of those people.  I want to present unique solutions to problems, and be heard.  I want to make a positive difference.  If that makes me a radical, then so be it.  I’ll be like the witch in Wicked, forgoing her chance for a positive reputation to fight for justice….Actually, I’m not that brave.  I will politely state and explain my opinions, and give you the chance to state yours.  Then we can look for areas of agreement, and share them further.  That’s what diplomats and moderates and peacemakers do.  It’s less exciting but more effective in the long run.