After reading this post at Teri’s Tyrades, I left this comment. In response I got called names, variations on word “extremist.” Nonetheless, one part of one of those replies I think worth evaluating.
The plain and simple fact is the Obama is following a moderate path on most issues and not catering to the extremes. He is a reasonable, rational, calm, intelligent, leader, the right person for the job at this time. Fortunately most of the citizens of this country are moderate. (from here)
President Barack Obama is moderate? Somehow Obama never has struck me as moderate. Nevertheless, he got a majority of the vote. How did that happen?
Later I wandered by The right-wing liberal. In Creigh Deeds is no moderate, DJ McGuire counters The Washington Post‘s efforts to label Creigh Deeds, the Democratic Party’s nominee to be Virginia’s next governor, as “moderate to conservative.” When I read the Post‘s story, I found myself mildly amused. Now that he has won the Democratic Party’s primary, the Post seems transparently eager to help Deeds move to the center. This was observed in the first comment (see here) on this news story. The commenter asked the author if he read his own paper, arguing that Deeds himself had labeled himself as the most liberal candidate in the race.
Deeds, who contends that he will not be outflanked as “the most progressive candidate in this race,” argues for increasing public investment in colleges, energy research and green technology — even in this economy. In his fast-talking, fact-spewing style, Deeds barely pauses for breath when he says that, no, he will never make a no-tax-increase pledge. (from here)
“Moderate,” it appears is the popular label for many of today’s politicians, both Democrats and Republicans. When we do not want to be regarded as extreme, we tend to portray ourselves as moderate. We say we want to be led by those who are moderate. We vote for those politicians we perceive as moderate.
But what is moderate? When is moderation appropriate? The dictionary says the term “moderate” can be used as an adjective, a noun, and as a verb. Whenever the subject is the avoidance of extremes, moderate is the term we apply. Temperance is a cardinal virtue. We don’t want to drive too fast, eat too much, drink too much alcohol, exercise too hard, or become too angry.
Is moderation always a good thing? The answer is no. Consider the virtues Faith, Hope, and Charity. How does one realize the benefits of Faith, Hope, and Charity without being extreme? Some will argue for moderation in each, but these are silly people. They argue for an oxymoron. How can you have a moderate Faith? Of what use is a moderate Hope? What giving and loving soul is filled with only moderate Charity?
Other Views
What follows are some examples of how Virginia bloggers use the term “moderate.”
- Kevin Tracy (here) and Michael in Norfolk (here) provide examples of how we like to label the “good” foreigners moderate.
- Blue Virginia applies the term moderate sarcastically to Bob McDonnell (here).
- The Star City Harbinger reminds us that Deeds is a moderate (here).
- The Virginian complains of the gullibility of moderates (here).
- Bearing Drift expresses skepticism of “moderate” Islamic leaders (here) and of “moderate” Deeds (here).
- Reason and Revelation wonders if Huckabee will remake himself as a “moderate” (here).
Observation: While the sample size here is too small to be meaningful, I think a larger sample would show that Conservatives tend to a bit skeptical of “moderates” and Liberals wish to relabel themselves as “moderates.” Apparently the term “progressive” no longer fools the so-called swing vote.
The Cartoons
Tom you ARE a bad boy! Such an extremist! tsk tsk.
p.s.
Tom,
True extremists don’t work towards consensus–they work to empower other extremists. Generally, I avoid extremists. I think they are dangerous and often irrational.
While you and I have very different perspectives, I don’t consider you an extremist. But then, maybe you have a secret life outside of this blog….
I like to think I am not an extremist, and it is nice to hear someone say I am not. Thank you.
Generally, instead of the word extremist, I use the word fanatic. For an explanation of what I think is a fanatic, see this post.
Fortunately, there are very few dangerous extremists or fanatics in this nation. Unfortunately, good government requires much more than simply avoiding extremism or fanaticism. That is something I will talk about in my next post.
I’d say that being called a moderate is about the biggest insult anyone could hurl at me. There is absolutely nothing moderate about anything I believe, and when it comes to my children or pride in my country, I’m a darn proud extremist!
I may be politically independent, but I’m no moderate.
Yeah, but are you unreasonable, illogical, mean, inflexible and radical? These are all qualities I think of when I see the word “extremist,” and I left out the words “potentially dangerous.”
I always think of “moderate” as a condition that allows one to compromise yet still be effective.
Because people abuse them, words tend to be squishy things. That is why any serious discussion must begin with a definition of terms. Otherwise, without even intending to do so, we talk past each other.
The term “moderate” is a particularly ill-defined political label. That is one reason why politicians like the term. If they can present themselves as a moderate, they can make themselves seem ever so reasonable. The term “moderate” does not necessarily reveal a politician’s position on anything. All we can guess is that it is somewhere in the middle. Thus “moderate” politicians offend fewer people.
Hence many, both Conservatives and Liberals, regard so-called “moderate” politicians as cowardly. Such politicians too often cannot be relied upon to stand for anything. “Moderates” too often seem more interested in polling data and power than in principle.
Power? Yes. There is a crucial second advantage to being “moderate.” In legislative bodies, “moderates” can swing back and forth. By “working” for compromise, the “moderates” decide who wins. Hence, “successful moderates” are power brokers. You scratch their back, and “moderates” scratch yours. Give a “moderate” all the pork he wants….
I’ve heard that the group “Non-Extremists for Moderate Change” has been banned in every country except for Finland! LOL
BUT SERIOUSLY, it seems like these days the “extremist” charge is mainly used to cut off or avoid debate on substantive issues.
Ron – I agree.
I am glad to hear that in 2009 the “Non-Extremists for Moderate Change” were still remembered.
Originator of the concept.