I have lately found myself watching the news a lot more than I used to. Following the political debate is fascinating. It's also frustrating. I can imagine that the people on the opposite side of the political spectrum from me feel the same way. While I find the current situation we're in to be frightening because it seems we are moving steadily toward a socialist government, I can imagine that those who are more liberal in their views are likewise thinking that those evil capitalists just won't go away! When I think about it, I see the scenario playing the same way every time, no matter who happens to be in power.

I feel like the conservative approach in politics is the only way that the country will be safe. Instead of re-stating the same reasons, yet again, suffice it to say that my beliefs are what they are and no amount of argument is going to change them. I'm certain that the liberals are feeling the same way, and for the same reasons. It's frustrating! I believe a certain way, and I am absolutely certain that I am correct! Yet I cannot make those who believe the opposite see what I see as plain as the nose on my face. Why can't a liberal understand that capitalism is the only way to make our country grow? Why can they not understand that only wealthy people are able to build an economy (ever gotten a paycheck from a poor man)?

Likewise, liberals must feel some frustration when they think, "why can't those conservatives understand that only government can do this job?" They think we're selfish and greedy because we think that welfare should have limits, because we think that universal health care will ruin both healthcare and the economy, they see the end result- a utopia of happy, unselfish people all working for the common good without the need for competition- as clearly as conservatives see how capitalism encourages growth.

I believe the answer is that each side is struggling to convince those people who form the middle; the people that are pro-life, but feel that abortion is a necessary evil for some. They are looking for the people that feel that a certain amount of government intervention is necessary to keep others from taking unfair advantage. They want those who feel that gun ownership is a right, but should be closely regulated by the government. I believe that most people fall into this category and that is primarily what causes most of the argument. Much like the NRA refuses to give any ground in the fight for gun rights, I truly believe that many of their members feel that individuals have no business owning a RPG. The organization has to fight for the rights of gun owners, just like Planned Parenthood has to continue to fight for the rights to abortion, even for under aged women (this should light a few fires!!). If they give an inch, their fight will look half-hearted and their contributors will cry foul!!

Perhaps this is the reason why most of our recent presidential elections have been for the guy who is going to do the least amount of damage. Who hasn't voted for the "Lesser of 2 Evils?" With the exception of the most recent election, I think most will agree with me on this. Even Barack Obama ran a fairly moderate campaign. Why was this? Simple. He wanted to appeal to the moderates and those voters who congregate toward the center of politics. He was a magnificent candidate, and I'm sure he is a great guy to hang out with. He's a good father and a good husband, he has a terrific looking family (although I do not find Michelle Obama to be as beautiful as the media tends to portray her, but more on that another time), he is athletic, attractive and really smart (his politics not withstanding). He captured the country in a wave of change: promises to be different than any other. Promises to be more transparent. Promises to be open and honest and willing to look at topics from multiple angles. He was going to win this election no matter who the republicans put up against him. Part of me is glad that he won. It has been said that it took our country 4 years of Jimmy Carter to bring us Ronald Reagan. Obama appealed to the moderates. Those of us who simply grew tired of seeing our values tossed aside.

We are never going to be able to change those of a different political bent and we shouldn't want to. We should be able to support our position and appeal to the voters who choose to follow us. Without differences, we end up worse off than we are now... maybe that was the problem all along. Conservatives seem to have lost their way and the liberals were right there to pick up the lost voters.