Hec! (you and JZ are -- together -- my Scarecrow, in this place) I think where I'm moderate, I'm a moderate (mostly) leftie Dem. I've been a registered Democrat (in Massachusetts) since I was 18 years old.

I'm an "evangelical" Christian for all religious values of that which are not political, because Christianity is an evangelical [denomination aside] religion: our founder's so-called "great commission" is, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." (The Great Commission and The Great Commandment are a thing in the faith). I don't usually use the "evangelical" modifier, because it carries too much political baggage, but as a word-nerd, I cannot disown it (who can disown "good message"?).

I'm also a pro-choice feminist, who has been in favor of single-payer healthcare since the 90s, when I worked at the Wolfram & Hart of excellent hospitals. I'm pro marriage equality and LBGTQ+ rights. I'm anti-war to the point where Rand Paul has appealed to me (on that singular issue).

I was, until Trump proved to have real traction, feeling the Bern. Bernie's politics are mostly my own (but I've totally broken up with him, because he didn't drop out soon enough for my taste, when our poor country is facing the T.Rump beast and would someone smash the amulet, already).

I think the two places where I've been "moderate" or "centrist" on this board are: (1) because I'm religious and (2) because, when I was younger, my commitment to marriage equality was weak. I remember posting long and hard in support of civil unions (for all adult couples).

I abandoned that position (in favor of full marriage equality) probably 5 or more years ago, because I realized (and admitted to myself) that my own biases were informing my understanding of marriage, but I knew same-sex couples who fully embodied the best of what marriage can be. I'm ashamed of my past self, now. Love is love, dang it.

I've also gone through a near (not finalized) break-up with my church over these very issues. I haven't fully cut the cord, because of Scott and the boys (J is an agnostic), but when our last pastor retired, my church did a hard right turn, after I'd banged a left.

So, yeah... I'm not sure why you see me as a centrist (and I'm not arguing that you're wrong, so much as wondering why you see me that way). I'd just like to know what led you to that conclusion.

I hope you, JZ, Em, and Matilda are well. The time -- she does fly swiftly.

It's not just in the US though, I have to say. Centrist, consensus politics are currently being stomped on all over the world. See also: Brexit.

I find podcasts useful in the car and when I'm working in the kitchen. In other words, times when I am unable to read.

My favourite pocasts (mostly film-related) are: You Must Remember This, BBC 4's The Film Programme, BBC 5 Live's Kermode and Mayo's Film Review (takes a bit of getting used to, as it's full of in-jokes, but worth it when you do).

...And a music pod which David probably knows: Joe Boyd's A-Z, in perfect short (approx. 10 minute) chunks.

Fiona, how do we make the stomping stop?

I wish I knew, Cindy. I have a feeling it's a cycle which is going to have to play itself out. Scarily, the period in recent human history which it most reminds me of is the 1930s, and we all know how they ended.

Welcome to the post-truth 2010s! The 1930s with added social media.

Fiona, I'm so sorry to say that I feel the same way. It's scary out there. :(

My goodness -- Cindy and Fiona?! Long time no see, you guys.

I want to tell him, "Dude I'm on your side. But Trump is so batshit nuts that you can stick to the verifiable facts and still prove that he's not worth voting for."

I think that's totally worth saying explicitly.

Hi Jesse! Strange times bring strange things out of the woodwork.

(Actually, I lurk here pretty much every day, but you're usually all asleep when I'd be posting, so I don't).

Aw! I figured you were still around at least some. We would like overnight posts from you! (Over-US-night -- billytea might disagree as to the timing.)

Meanwhile, may I present our PM & family at Vancouver Pride [link] or randomly hiking in Quebec, [link]

MOMMMMMM! The Canadians are showing off again!!!