Is Being Moderate a bad Thing?

[Aliens]

I like the moderates who can take strong positions on issues from both sides of the aisle.  Overall, the center really isn't any more correct than the left wing and the right wing.  There are some terrible "moderate" policies out there, where a policy farther from the center (in any direction) could definitely work out better. 

[Velasco]

It depends. I tend to think that is a good thing being moderate in the appearances, but it's not as good when moderate 'reasonable' attitudes concern the fundamental issues. The cult of reasonableness sometimes leads to abjure of certain principles, in the name of the moderate heroism. Moderate heroes are condemned to succumb when extremists show the teeth.

[fezzyfestoon]

Yes. Being on "the fence" implies the limitation of options to the two presented from our two parties, which are more often than not either on the same side of "the fence" or "the fence" runs nowhere near the actual issue itself. It's extremely shallow and false in practice. It caters to our nation's preference to be told what to think rather than actually think about the things that affect us. Being moderate essentially just means you can't even make up your own mind between the two sh**tty choices you've had the vast expanse of political thought boiled down to for you. Then again, I think our political landscape is far too predicated on strict labeling and categorizing, so in a world with a functioning political system without false dichotomies I'd say that being a moderate is universally beneficial.

[Napoleon]

It's usually not a bad thing, but certain posters do make it seem that way.

[Blackacre]

nah. There are people in all parts of the political spectrum. Moderates keep the radicals in line and are more willing to compromise. The centrist wing, in fact, pretty much controls the Democratic party.

A party without moderates (today's Republicans) sets itself up for complete disaster.

[opebo]

In America it is, because what is called 'moderate' there is in fact right-wing masquerading due to the madhouse environment and general ignorance.

[Vosem]

'Moderate' is an extremely vague phrase that can mean pretty much whatever you want it to, so I'll have to say no, especially as I've occasionally self-identified as 'moderate Republican' to describe my politics.

[Lumine]

Not at all. I think one of the reasons that explain my country's stability in the past 23 years is the fact that most politicians here are moderates at heart (even if they prefer to be called "progressives") and they try to prevent extremist positions.

[JerryArkansas]

No

[nclib]

Not necessarily, if one is not doing it solely to impede desirable outcomes.

That said, given the 50% percentile person's ideology in the U.S., makes make proud to be far-left.

[SUSAN CRUSHBONE]

No, of course not. Only on Atlas Forum would this even be a serious question.

[Blackacre]

No, of course not. Only on Atlas Forum would this even be a serious question.

...or in the Tea Party

[bballrox4717]

No, though some moderate positions are horrible ideas.