Erosion of middle ground...

Somewhere along the way, the moderate politician has disappeared.  Like most things, this has happened gradually, not overnight.  Civility among political leaders is gone, too.

Too often today, issues are parsed between "the right" and "left".  Both sides stake out positions and dig in believing their side is right.  In reality, though, the 3rd option or middle ground which encompasses the best of both sides is likely best in most instances. 

As an example, our constitution is an embodiment of compromise such as the two houses of Congress which addressed the views of those who believed that representation should be based upon population while others believed that it should have been based upon equal representation.  Hence, we have the House and the Senate with its history of unintended consequences.

So, we sway from the left or the right during key elections as opposed to finding that middle ground that is so fertile with the best of both worlds.  My fear is that our political leaders today are more concerned about gaining power to further their agenda as opposed to what is needed and what is best for our country and its citizens.