I believe the missing ingredient to America's successful political future is the centrist.
Where have they gone?
Pushed out by extremists on both sides, victims to the demand for ratings, sidelined by hot takes and gossipy soundbites, centrists are a dying breed in America - or at least a silent breed.
How can we get them back?
We need a space in politics that allows us to cross the divide between topics. I don't lean left on all political subjects, but I don't lean right on all of them either. And some won't like this, but for me, as a Christian, neither the Republican nor the Democratic platforms cover the depth or breadth of Christian responses to claim that they speak for me. I disagree and agree with each platform depending on the subject.
For years I have felt that America needs a third party in the electoral vote (no, not that party). We need a third party somewhere between the extremes of the right and left. And maybe a fourth or fifth. Ok, maybe that party too!
Democracies are vibrant systems that foster debate, learning and the changing of minds for the betterment of our society.
But currently, our democracy is a bloody fight with losers on both sides. People who change their minds are called flip-floppers and seen as liars. And centrists who want to make a difference are forced towards extremism to get a voice.
Imagine a discussion where we can learn from each other, find agreement on solutions, rather than winning points in a debate. What if we worked towards something and built a better society for all of us. Let's get that third party...I'm Dorian Botsis, and no, I'm not running for anything in 2020 - well, maybe for a chocolate bar at the store.
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