America always is a country in the making. There never has been a time in which most American people have said, “This is as good as it gets; time to stop.” Or, “Our grand experiment has failed and it’s time to abandon all hope.” Sometimes, we spin our wheels, but we always end up moving forward.
Hi Tom - I think there is a faction of folks who like the idea of a “middle” position. As you say that makes sense when you can find common ground. But on hard, controversial issues that middle often disappears. I look forward to future posts wherein you talk about one of those issues and perhaps how you personally would compromise on something you feel strongly about. It is admittedly hard but I’m glad you and others are at least trying to move the conversation forward.
My relatives scoff when I say I am a moderately liberal fiscal conservative. They say there is no room for that viewpoint in politics. But your article points out that it is possible and in fact the only way forward. Compromise is not a dirty word and we should not hold our partisan views above what this country needs to keep moving forward. Well done Tom.
Incredible post, Tom. It is very difficult today to find words for one's own values, beliefs and positions outside of the noise and narrative today. And, to be able to do so in a way that calls out both political perspectives so plainly and clearly, without rhetoric, is inspiring and motivating.
We need to see more pieces like this - writing that reminds us about this country's founding principles, to remember that we the people own the country's conversation, and give us some direction - and better language - to move us from following the political narratives that take us to either the left shoulder of the road or the right shoulder of the road ahead.
Should you need support and encouragement to get this to a broader audience, I'm happy to help in whatever way I can.
Hi Tom - I think there is a faction of folks who like the idea of a “middle” position. As you say that makes sense when you can find common ground. But on hard, controversial issues that middle often disappears. I look forward to future posts wherein you talk about one of those issues and perhaps how you personally would compromise on something you feel strongly about. It is admittedly hard but I’m glad you and others are at least trying to move the conversation forward.
My relatives scoff when I say I am a moderately liberal fiscal conservative. They say there is no room for that viewpoint in politics. But your article points out that it is possible and in fact the only way forward. Compromise is not a dirty word and we should not hold our partisan views above what this country needs to keep moving forward. Well done Tom.
Great piece, Tom, so we’ll written.
Love the line:
The making of America isn’t someone else’s job.
Stand up or shut up, right?
Hopefully, you helped wake somebody up. Cheers.
Incredible post, Tom. It is very difficult today to find words for one's own values, beliefs and positions outside of the noise and narrative today. And, to be able to do so in a way that calls out both political perspectives so plainly and clearly, without rhetoric, is inspiring and motivating.
We need to see more pieces like this - writing that reminds us about this country's founding principles, to remember that we the people own the country's conversation, and give us some direction - and better language - to move us from following the political narratives that take us to either the left shoulder of the road or the right shoulder of the road ahead.
Should you need support and encouragement to get this to a broader audience, I'm happy to help in whatever way I can.