The Big Lie

The Big Lie of American politics seems to exist as an invisible assumption, a mode of operation that by now many have seriously questioned. By our historical political structure, Americans are cleaved in half as if a defining blade chops down to the semblance of a centerline - but the face of this median is blank - why? Because, in fact, there is no cogent center to American politics, there is really no clear right or left.

Me, I'm just a guy, another voter, fairly average in most respects. But, we can start with me, my own views, and where they may plot on the political chart. What party best describes me? There are just two major parties, but now the biggest group of voters are independent - so, how did that even happen?

My own slate of perspectives can illustrate this dilemma: my views are all over the map! For example, I've always supported gay marriage, I consume cannabis, avoid alcohol, and I'd like to see America evolve beyond fossil fuel. I also support healthcare for every American, and an honest process for funding this benefit that won't burden the busting deficits. So, am I Republican? None of the above sounds like the stereotypical right.

To complicate the point further, I support a strong, closed border, mostly because I fear terrorism. I support low taxes and small gov't, supporting law enforcement and maintaining the most powerful military in the world, strong enough to protect our freedoms. So, am I a progressive or a liberal?

The Big Lie of American politics is that we're divided by reasonable divisions of clear political difference. But, it's not the case. 

Most American voters are like me - a complex contradiction of values that defies both category labels. Americans generally do not fit neatly into these two camps, nor do the two parties represent the rich diversity of opinions we all have and live by. Thus, we have political chaos as if it's normal.