I would like to issue an all-points bulletin on a stolen property. It’s a beautiful place that millions used to visit regularly with friends and associates.
Sadly, it was stolen in broad daylight.
The property is affectionately known as Middle Ground.
Middle Ground was last noticed at a gathering in the summer of 2019 at which I heard someone say, “That’s a good point; I disagree with you, but constructive debate is an essential component of progress … so I will always hear you out.”
Ever since Middle Ground went missing, it seems you either have to be a self-proclaimed environmentalist or you are personally responsible for destroying our lovely planet.
You think Donald Trump is a saviour, or you believe that he is the devil incarnate.
You believe that the fossil fuel industry must be shut down, or you bathe in bitumen every night.
You think that COVID-19 is the deadliest disease ever, or you believe that the pandemic was a hoax.
The most sensible people in my network rarely express opinions publicly for fear that the trolls will feast on them.
Those who have convinced themselves that they rule the high moral ground create echo chambers on various platforms and attack or block those who have the audacity to counter their arguments.
Public name-calling and shaming have become honorable among the supremely virtuous.
Why can’t we share our perspectives while being open to the opinions of others? Why can’t we just agree to disagree?
Why can’t we spend some quality time at Middle Ground?
Now, in some cases, one party can be 100% correct and another entirely wrong, so let’s look at Middle Ground as a place where logic and respect reign, and where we strive to find common ground.
I really miss Middle Ground. Please help me find it.
(Rob Driscoll – BIG Media Ltd., 2023)
