What Do You Mean By Moderate?
Today Ann Coulter writes:
Democrats want to terrify people by claiming Bush's judicial nominees are nutcase extremists hell-bent on shredding the Constitution — as opposed to liberals' preferred method of simply rewriting it on a daily basis — but they're terrified that someone might ask them what they mean by "extremist." So let's ask!We tried a similar approach to a reader's comment on our Wing-Nut Alert post:
Reader: Can't we find a moderate Republican to clean up this state?So far no answers – perhaps moving our question to the main page will catch people’s attention.
Enlighten-NewJersey: Must admit we're at a loss, what positions would a "moderate" Republican or Democrat hold?
Posted by Enlighten-NewJersey @ 5:11 PM
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6 Comments:
None. They are both fence-sitters who will do or say whatever they think will keep them away from controversy. I'd almost rather have a liberal Dem than a moderate Republican -- at least I'll know what his positions are.
I made the why can't we find a "moderate" statement...perhaps a bad choice of words as any label is...if it was the middle ages I'd probably be the village idiot in the town square playing with my toes...but I diverge...My broad brush stroke defining that word is implementing a strong anti-corruption policy that treats all offenders equally, being fiscally responsible by implementing "most bang for the buck" governmental services at the lowest cost to the taxpayer that recognizes middle class workers and retirees are being driven out of this state, refusing to cater to special interest groups, especially those that endorse on diversionary policy issues such as abortion and a governor that has a policy of inclusion (unlike Dean's rhetoric, which satanizes those he disagrees with). The basic problem with this state is that everyone's equal, but some are more equal than others. Yeah I know, I'm not holding my breath.
-and don't make promises you can't keep....
Re: Ken's comment: Just to add, I consider myself a "liberal" independent and think both parties in this state are a bad joke- I believe in legalizing pot, decriminalizing drugs, I'm pro choice, although I'm uncomfortable with it personally and I'm generally comfortable with the "moderate" definition I gave- but with all deference to Ken, I have noticed Democrats who consider themselves "liberals" seem to have more inflammatory, racist rhetoric than their Republican counterparts but seem to pretty much get a pass from "liberal" media-that I cannot understand....and as bad a keeper of government the Republicans have been the Democrats have added insult to injury....
Anonymous, “liberal independent” why not give yourself a screen name so we don’t confuse you with the other anonymous commenters? It would make it easier for us to continue the dialogue. It’s up to you.
Anyway, we still don’t understand how you define conservative, moderate and liberal positions. For example, what is the difference between the moderate and liberal position on abortion and drug legalization? We assume you believe the conservative position would be “pro-life” and a continuation of drug laws. So where do the moderates and liberals stand?
In terms of implementing government services at the lowest possible cost, we assume conservative, moderate and liberal politicians would claim that position, although in practice it is usually considered a conservative position and priority.
The pro-life and pro-choice groups may endorse candidates, but the governor has no authority on the abortion matter. While interesting, an endorsement by either group does not give us any insight into how a candidate would come down on other issues the governor can impact.
A candidate and ultimately New Jersey’s Governor can cater all they want to either the pro or con abortion groups, but abortion rights will remain unchanged. A New Jersey candidate for governor’s opinion on this issue is as relevant as a candidate’s opinion on whether or not the French people should accept or reject the European Union constitution.
In terms of catering to other “special interests” – well, the Enlighten-NewJersey bloggers believe all people should be treated equally. It is a position from which all of our stands on the issues flow. Most people would label us conservative. We agree the unequal treatment of people has led to many problems facing the state and we support politicians that have adopted a “treat all people equally” position.
Taking the logical next step that would mean liberals take the opposite stand on the position – people should not be treated equally. This then leaves moderates…where?
It seems as though you are conservative on most of the issues. Taking into consideration your position on abortion and drug legalization, many people would label your views libertarian.
The Governor can’t change abortion rights and drug legalization is a non-issue in this race. So which candidate most closely reflects your positions on the issues that the governor can change? That’s the criteria we use, we try not to let potentially misleading labels confuse our analysis.
Verily, verily, thou hast a dream of a time when ye hilltop of Trenton haveth pillory posts and dunking stools and on each is inscribed the name of every Democrat and Republican and is blesseth by Chris Christy. Yea, everyone of them requireth to stand upright on ye issues and to be made clean from corruption. Nay, thou shouldn't holdeth thy breath as thou may suffocateth.
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