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jorgelito · 09-04-2006, 09:05 AM

Thanks guys, I look forward to lively discussions (oh and congratulations on your magazine write-up UsTwo).

RB, I think I can see where you're getting at. So basically you feel there has been a major shift to the right where 'moderate' is actually right due to the paucity of a real left.

I would actually agree with you that the spectrum has shrunk though it may not have been significantly broad in the first place. My American Government prof used to do a cool illustration of this. Essentially, we have been reduced to the Dems and Rep. In theory, we have a range of interests and representation and affiliation, but in reality, in practice, it's a two-party system where they beging to 'lookalike'. The outliers, like the American Cumminists (if they are even still around), or extreme right-wing groups (can't think of the name off the top of my head) don't have a real effect in American politics at the moment and there isn;t any "left" movement that I can think of. I would consider the Greens and Libertarians to be moderate (that's my opinion). The LaRouchians don't factor in much.

I do think that there are swings and shifts in the normal ebb and flow of politics. Perhaps the current state of right will force a left to emerge to counter balance it? I don't know, maybe there is a historical example or precedent for this?

Oh, maybe the period of WWI & WWII where much of Europe shifted left.

I still believe in a silent majority of moderates. Maybe they will awaken soon.

09-04-2006, 09:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	Thanks guys, I look forward to lively discussions (oh and congratulations on your magazine write-up UsTwo). RB, I think I can see where you're getting at. So basically you feel there has been a major shift to the right where 'moderate' is actually right due to the paucity of a real left. I would actually agree with you that the spectrum has shrunk though it may not have been significantly broad in the first place. My American Government prof used to do a cool illustration of this. Essentially, we have been reduced to the Dems and Rep. In theory, we have a range of interests and representation and affiliation, but in reality, in practice, it's a two-party system where they beging to 'lookalike'. The outliers, like the American Cumminists (if they are even still around), or extreme right-wing groups (can't think of the name off the top of my head) don't have a real effect in American politics at the moment and there isn;t any "left" movement that I can think of. I would consider the Greens and Libertarians to be moderate (that's my opinion). The LaRouchians don't factor in much. I do think that there are swings and shifts in the normal ebb and flow of politics. Perhaps the current state of right will force a left to emerge to counter balance it? I don't know, maybe there is a historical example or precedent for this? Oh, maybe the period of WWI & WWII where much of Europe shifted left. I still believe in a silent majority of moderates. Maybe they will awaken soon.