Steven PinkerVerified account

I view centrism as allowing one's self the ability to choose the best solution from all available ideas instead of being constrained by one

political affiliation. I don't become a political caricature bc I am required to check all the boxes associated with a certain party.

But on Election Day, when you only get to check box, how does centrism play out? You can only vote for parties or candidates, not issues.

I filed as an independent, so I vote for who I think is best for the country. Centrism is equal to independent thought in my opinion.

I really don't think you're a centrist. (That's a compliment)

Before condemning all forms of socialism, find one example of a left-wing govt that wasn't undermined from without, esp by USA.

Non-robustness in the face of predictable pressure might be considered an inherent flaw

Conservatives think big govt regulation can ruin small business, but small countries should be able to contend w CIA et al?

All countries have competing interests, reasons to undermine each other. Statecraft has to be robust to that

So no small country has a right to autonomy unless blessed by a powerful benefactor?

Rights under what mechanism?

Perhaps the will of the people who live within its borders and participate in the government?

A "natural law" theory of sovereign rights is nice and all, but meaningless absent enforcement

Today's centrism is about assuring yourself the system works as is, and making compromises with arsonists is a necessary part of the system.

Centrism is devoid of actual policy goals. The idea of fighting the "other side" or courting voters is seen as unnecessary exercise.

Centrism is virtue. It's where well bred, well educated, wealthy academics can agree to ruin the lives of everyone else.