MY definition of "moderate."

[Mythsaje]

I have long considered myself a "moderate," or a perhaps a "centrist." Some people might find that amazing, considering how much of an economic populist I am. But I don't find the notions all that contradictory. I find myself opposing much of the so-called "conservative" agenda because the policies they've pursued in general have been highly destructive and very short-sighted. But I'm not one to believe in sudden, radical changes. Another reason I oppose these bastards is because they're not really conservative at all, but reactionary. Radical. They hang the label of "conservative" on themselves, but they're not really trying to conserve anything, but strip away some of the best things America has achieved in the last hundred years or so.

I do not cry for the destruction of corporate America, but I do call out for its reconstruction. It needs desperately to be reined in, not allowed to run amuck like a pack of semi-feral dogs allowed to ravage the countryside at will.

This isn't radical. It's not even unprecedented. It actually harkens back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt's trust-busting, and FDR's New Deal. It's about returning America back into the hands of the people, not the monied interests that have seized the reins from us and are refusing to give them back.

To me, "moderate" doesn't mean "okay with the status quo." It means willing and able to explore positive, well-considered changes that will lead to a better future for everyone. It means a thoughtful approach to progressive ideas, and the pursuit of policy objectives that will gradually and thoughtfully give us a better world in which to raise our children and our children's children.

It doesn't mean allowing the corporations and the corporate-friendly politicians the leeway to continue the same destructive, self-serving policies that have put us in such dire economic and environmental straits.

[theoldman]

1. To me a moderate is someone who does not drink too much.

does not eat too much, is not a religious fanatic, does not criticize everyone who is different, tends to vote independent, looks at both sides of an issue, etc.

[DadOf2LittleAngels]

2. To be moderate

Is to find yourself on the right of some issues, on the left of others, and generally put off by the folks who are far off in either directions...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. sadly, in this day and age

the voice of moderation is often drowned out.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. "Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice."

"A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice." - Thomas Paine

[Mythsaje]

6. Yeah...I saw that quote in another thread this morning

which is one reason I decided to post this.

I think the term "moderate" has been hijacked, politically-speaking. Particularly "moderate Democrat."

[hfojvt]

5. doesn't moderate have to mean

'mostly okay with the status quo'. Since it means 'not calling for huge changes in the status quo'.

In that sense, I certainly would not consider myself a moderate. I would like to see big changes, but do not expect them to happen suddenly or by force, but hopefully one step at a time, moving in the right direction. However, the public must want to change the social order, and small changes are likely to be more acceptable if the public is moderate (mostly satisfied) or cautious.

[Mythsaje]

8. Incremental changes

are better than HUGE changes, any way you slice it. They prevent you from throwing the baby out with the bathwater, or going too far too fast and ending up regretting it.

[OHdem10]

7. Moderate to me, means a Liberal who is not a a knee-jerk

idealogue. One who is willing to listen and explore new or different
ideas, yet maintain their principles. There is not way in the world
to confuse Centrist with Moderate. A Centrist triangulates with the
opposite party. A Moderate if willing to compromise expects and demands
that the opposition give up just as much as he gives up when resolving
issues.

[Mythsaje]

9. I can see that definition.

That's a good addition to my point.