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this is an interesting idea, kma: good luck with it.
but doesn't it assume that the existing political spectrum in the states represents something like a spectrum of possibilities, and that debate can be coherently framed within that spectrum?
there is a line about the united states that i like: it is a single party state with two right wings.
how exactly would you imagine people who operate outside this framework would be able to find "common ground" with you, if you define the range within which you are willing to work in such a narrow way? more specifically: why would you frame this common ground thing with exclusive reference to the republicans and democrats?
if you want a debate or a dialogue, you should probably concede up front that you cant stipulate all the terms and expect folk to participate...unless what you really want is less a common ground than an affirmation that the context within which political thinking operates at the mass politics level in america right now is either adequate to frame and address problems, or legitimate in itself. if that is your idea, then i dont know why you would go about finding that affirmation in such a backhanded way.
just saying--if you want the kind of conversation you claim you do, open things up and you might find it easier to generate one.
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a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle
spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear
it make you sick.
-kamau brathwaite
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