The shrillness of those clamoring for attention in today’s marketplace of ideas has polarized the United States in ways not seen in decades. If there was ever a time for moderation, it’s now. Hence the following Moderate Manifesto:

I believe in the sovereignty of the United States—but acknowledge that, in an increasingly global community, it can’t be a law unto itself, ignoring the concerns of others.

I believe in the right of the United States to unilaterally defend itself against aggressors—but believe it must have strong international support for a preemptive strike against a nation that merely might pose a threat in the future.

I believe that Saddam Hussein and his regime were perpetrators of great evil—but am baffled as to why these perpetrators of evil evoked U.S. military intervention while the United States turns a blind eye to equally reprehensible behavior in other nations.

I believe in democracy—but recognize that not every nation is ready for such a form of government.

I believe that true friends help in time of need—but understand that true-friend help could come in the form of a warning that we’re making a big mistake.

I believe in patriotism, and I’m proud to be an American—but acknowledge a plethora of national flaws.

I believe the United States has much to teach other countries—but am persuaded that it could learn a lot, too.

I believe in the dignity of labor, industry, and personal responsibility—but equally believe that we’re obligated to provide judiciously administered assistance to those beset by adversity.

I believe in God—but recognize that I have no right to the public purse to propagate that belief.

I believe in fiat, ex nihilo creation—but don’t believe the public school classroom is the forum in which to expound such beliefs.

I believe in prayer—but don’t want nonbelieving children to be forced to endure state-sanctioned supplications in public schools.

I believe in moral rights and wrongs—but want the state to show extreme reserve in legislating such matters.

I believe that life begins at conception and that abortion is the taking of human life—but acknowledge that there are times when termination of prenatal existence may be the best option in a field of bad alternatives (in much the same way that killing in war may be necessary but is still killing).

I believe that one of the greatest impediments to the United States currently is its assumption that it faces only "either/or" options—when, in reality, the best solutions often will be found in a "both-and" approach, which acknowledges the validity of the concerns at each end of the spectrum while ultimately settling at some midpoint that may make both extremes simultaneously feel some satisfaction and some uneasiness.

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