Maintaining the Middle Ground
In today’s modern world it is easy to take issues to the extreme no matter what your view might be. By nature, people will have differing opinions on a number of issues whether it be political, scientific, or social. The differences of opinions on these issues often lead to organizations to be formed to support one side of the issue and these organizations usually offer memberships and often retain lobbyists to support their agenda. These organizations are an important part to our government and help facilitate change but often people with a more moderate opinion on an issue get drowned out by the extremists. Below you will see some issues that are often talked about without a consensus answer on which side is right, these issues are not simple and understanding the aspects of them will help people respect each other’s opinion and hopefully will foster an understanding and respect of others opinions.
Gun Control
One of the most talked about issues today is the issue of the second amendment and gun control in the United States. On one side the pro gun lobby, spearheaded by the NRA, wants very little restrictions on gun purchases. On the other side, there are several organizations who want stricter gun laws. This issue is often taken to the extreme. When new gun regulations are talked about, the NRA and similar organizations often start talking about how the law violates their second amendment rights. However, often people who are in the middle on the gun control issue are not talked about and their opinions are forgotten about. It is possible to be pro gun and want better laws to ensure guns do not get in the hands of the wrong people. There are millions of people who are willing to wait longer to purchase a firearm to ensure that people who should not have one do not get one. So do not let the pro gun or anti gun lobby’s force you to the extreme, there are other options that both ensure the second amendment rights and ensure guns do not get into the wrong hands.
Evolution vs Creation
This is an issue that has existed for years and what should public schools teach about it? Should science classes teach the theory of evolution or should they omit it from the class due to people’s religious views. This once again is not a simple issue. Religious families do not believe in evolution because it contradicts the biblical idea that people were created in God’s image. On the other side, people dismiss religion because they believe there is enough evidence to support the theory of evolution. There is no way to prove either side of this argument concretely. However, there is a middle ground solution to this issue as well. Why can a school not teach both and let people decide for themselves. It is possible to create a class room curriculum that talks about the Theory of Evolution as a theory and not fact. This educational course can explain both sides of the argument and allow students to discuss the issue with their parents and family. If a family believes in creationism a class does not have to contradict that belief and can teach students that other people disagree. Teaching understanding and tolerance is as important as teaching different views. It is possible to maintain an objective stance on this issue while allowing students to understand a view that their families and themselves disagree with. This should be the goal of a class on evolution or creationism; ensuring people understand both theories exist and to respect peoples view on which one they choose to believe.
Big Government vs Small Government
The debate on how large of a role the government should have in the day to day lives of its people is a debate that dates back to the foundation of the United States. Who should have more power, the federal government or the local state governments? The Republican party has long been an advocate of deregulation while the Democratic party has been supporter of government sponsored social programs. Like many other issues, finding a middle ground is difficult but not impossible. Some large government regulations are necessary and many Republicans, both from the grass roots level up to Senators, agree. In addition, many Democrats agree that some issues might need some deregulation. What is most important when talking about this debate is understanding a candidate’s view point on key issues. Not all Republicans and not all Democrats have the same views. This is why elections and staying involved in local politics matters. The best way to find middle ground in politics is compromising and voting. Identify a candidate that has views you want to support and vote and even help rally support for them. Ensure a candidate can work with others with different views. When politics takes things to the extreme nothing typically gets accomplished. Working together to find some middle ground is the best way for results to be realized in the government.
There are countless issues that can be talked about; from abortion, to tax laws, to religion. Understanding and respecting other people’s views is important to maintaining the middle ground that our society is designed around. So next time you are in a debate or discussion on a hot topic issue remember that finding and maintain a middle ground built on understanding and respect is an option. People will have firm opinions on issues that we cannot change; however, that does not mean this person’s view should not be understood or respected despite disagreeing with it. Never discount the value of understanding and respect and most importantly, compromise.
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