Days away from an awfully important Super Tuesday, I write from a place within the electorate that doesn’t seem to receive a lot of attention: the political center.
Over the past three decades, my appreciation for intelligent political discourse has deepened. It is my hope that my sons understand the political process, that they remain informed and engaged, and that their peers do so, also. Some of my closest friends take pride in their positions at both political extremes; their passionate lectures provide both information and valuable perspective. These same friends ask, “With all that is happening in our culture, how can you be a political moderate?” It’s not that difficult. It never has been.
Centrism doesn’t imply apathy, indifference or passive approval; if anything, it simply means being curious, open-minded and objective. For the most part, I lean left socially and skew toward the right on economic matters (a “fiscal pragmatist”), disagreeing in principle with intolerant conservative social agendas and with liberal/socialist “overtax-the-successful” monetary policies. Some might find such positions contrarian, but this approach simply makes sense to me and I don’t mind objection. Informed opinions — whether opposing or accordant — are always welcomed.
Partisan issues tend to be championed by those who shout the loudest, with delivery often obscuring substance. Loud, however, does not mean true. Loud does not mean informed. Loud does not mean that the shouted voice should be followed. Loud does not mean justified. Loud just means loud. And, alas, loud usually means newsworthy. Recall, however, that The Wizard of Oz was not the bellowing image on the large screen flanked by ominous flames, but the small man behind the curtain pulling levers, producing both the message and its intended effect.
While the party faithful work tirelessly for their candidates and causes, it is moderates who decide elections and, frankly, that’s a powerful place to be.
A friend who works in government once called me a “level-headed moderate.” He said, “You are the vote every politician wants and the voter every politician fears.” I have, he added, “the capacity to influence others.” It was flattering, except for that last part.
Rather than trying to change opinions, I instead wield my power with my vote, although it would be wise to more actively engage with our elected representatives. They — and our fellow citizens who passionately protest — have my sincere admiration but, to date, not my active inclusion. There has yet to be a cause or issue sufficiently strong to move me to run for public office or shout into a bullhorn on a street corner while holding a protest sign. For my sons and their generation, that might be different, and I encourage their passion and involvement.
By design, sociopolitical power lies with an informed electorate, not with the elected, although many might disagree. Consider the sheer amount of data we consume each day, whether via print, broadcast, online or simple sidewalk conversation. Regardless of its source, we should be able to discern news and facts (“alternative” or otherwise) from a sales pitch — not always an easy task. You might or might not be surprised that I listen to both NPR and Rush Limbaugh, and watch both MSNBC and Fox News. Yet listening or watching does not imply endorsement. Barbed partisan messages have become predictable, and each side’s disinterest in contrary views is both transparent and heartbreaking. Politicians and the media should never forget that the electorate seeks information, not spin — delivered with honesty, clarity and inspiration — and that our BS detectors are functional.
Exercise your beliefs and power with your vote, guided by your true voice, whether you lean left or right, or don’t lean either way. Serve others. Leave a dent. Listen to the other side before reacting. Effect change. Remain informed and be objective. Make waves. Ask for facts. Stay cynical and curious but remain idealistic and hopeful. Don’t settle. Question authority. Strive to be the powerful one behind the curtain pulling the important levers. The guy in the middle will be doing so — and he and our next generation of elected officials, protesters, observers and voters will be watching carefully.
Dan DeMars, of Norwich, is a freelance writer and a management consultant to the biotechnology industry and academia.