The Political Spectrum

This Post first ran in February of 2005!







If you have ever wondered why it is so difficult for the political left, and political right, to communicate... then you are among the majority.

There really is a simple explanation. I’m going to try to demonstrate it here, for you, and if I am successful you will quickly see why communications between the political parties break down.

Let me try to demonstrate the political spectrum this way. A single straight line will represent the political spectrum itself. An ”L” and an “R”: will define the political “sides” of the spectrum. An “X”: will define the center of the political spectrum.

Now then, here is he political Right’s view of the Political spectrum:

“L”----------“X”----------“R”

Now here is the political Left’s view of the political spectrum:

“L”-----“X”---------------“R”

See the problem?

Imagine, if you will, Hillary Clinton represented by the “X”. You can easily see why the Conservatives claim she is a “Leftist” and the Liberals claim she is a “Centrist”.

The difference is glaringly obvious when it is put to paper as we have just done.

How do we get around it? We don’t. We learn, somehow, to “talk around” it. Both sides believe they are correct. Both sides know the other is wrong. There will be no meeting in the middle because such a meeting would require movement by the left and none by the right. It’s not going to happen.

So, The political debate will continue. Sometimes it will be louder than at other times, but it will continue. Judging from the history of this country, it is no worse and no better than it has been since the founding. It is our system of government. Each political party acts as a check and balance on the other. Believe me, you would not like a country run strictly by my side, the Republicans. It is equally true; you would not like a country run solely by the Democrats.

So what are we to do? Struggle onward and upward with each other. Always, we must watch for the markers that it is time to put the squabble aside and stand together, solidly, for the country in times of distress. This is where we need work.

We have lost that ability, somewhere, along the way. We must reacquire it… and quickly… else all is lost.

Your Obedient Servant,

“Longstreet”