We need less Black and White and more color.

Why do we think in such extremes? Why is everything these days so black and white. All or nothing? Good or bad. Leaving not much in the middle.

In political terms, if a candidate has only one issue we might disagree with, he or she is written off. No longer a “Lockstepper.” Out the door. No longer considered as a viable candidate. A trader or heretic. Suddenly becoming an evil person. Only because he or she has one or two differing views than what we have. Otherwise, agreeing on most issues.

Have we run out of wiggle room? Couldn’t a candidate be allowed space to have his or her own opinion? I voted for Nixon and Reagan twice each but, there were policies I didn’t care for in each administrations. None the less, I voted for them both regardless.

Case in point here is Indiana’s Senator Richard Lugar. A man trying to work with both sides of the aisle. A man willing to compromise occasionally to get things done. What’s wrong with that.

None the less, Lugar was voted out by his state’s Republican party in favor of a more extreme, non-compromising TEA Party candidate. Sending the state further into a Black and White divide. Thus Lugars state has lost a great statesman and politician. A man who could work with most people and ideals. What a shame.

Didn’t Jesus or one of the Apostles suggest to do all things in moderation? So, where’s the moderation? Why must we insist on extremes? We only defeat ourselves by being so extreme. Not much gets done in a hostel black and white environment. Back off. Chill out. Go to your corner and take ten deep breaths.