I have always believed that the real enemy of justice is the middle ground. In fact, I don't even think there is such a thing as a middle ground. But you do get people from the extremes pretending to be in the middle because they know that is the best place from which to campaign for justice or stop any moves towards justice. But when society gives all credence to the centre all you end up with is stalemate. And that, of course, always favours the right wing.--Madpriest, Of Course I Could Be Wrong
I guess it depends on what you mean by "the middle". We aren't all wired to fling ourselves into every fight that comes along.
ReplyDeleteI recall a story Mike told me: he lived up in Colonial Heights, and was trying to dig a hole. The ground was clay - very hard and dry. He was killing himself flinging the mattock with all his might - jarring and wrenching muscles and bones each time the mattock connected with the soil. Then, he just started picking at it - tapping way at a little edge. By doing it that way, he was able to get his hole dug. It took a while, but the work got done. But he didn't kill himself but he didn't give up, either.
That's one kind of middle.
The other kind, which I suppose you and Mad Priest are talking about, is the non-committal "because I want to be with the winner in the end so I don't want to ruin my chances with either side so I won't take one" middle.
We don't all need to be Martin Luther King or even Medea Benjamin. But it would be best to take sides and chip away at the hard stuff that blocks your progress.
If digging a hole is the metaphor for justice, there are many strategies for getting the job done.
ReplyDeleteThe middle ground pretends to think there is a solution in which you can both have a hole and not have one.
Well, no. I didn't intend it to be a metaphor for justice, John.
ReplyDeleteBut you are right - that type of middle-ground thinking is delusional at best, and serves no purpose but to delay meaningful action.
It's right up there with the "Of course, you're right, but now's not a good time..." argument.
Have a good weekend!
You have a great weekend, too! Be safe! I understand where you are coming from. Good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it Mr. Miagi said about the middle ground? You get squished like a grape. (Or something like that).
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