It is refreshing to see, at the least, an acknowledgement that a "middle ground" even exists. Unfortunately, I fear it will be short lived with our ever lengthening and increasingly contentious, illogical political cycles. Perhaps this is a symptom of humankind's propensity towards tribalism and tendency to form and worship in various forms of cults. These myriad expressions of cultism and polarization are manifest in nearly every assemblage or grouping of people. It is present in most aspects of our world, from the global, and national, to the local and familial -even existing in the internal, personal realm. Most apparent in things like coke vs pepsi, chevy vs ford, paper vs plastic, or gas vs electric. Obviously present in our many religions, and among the sub-sects. It is even becoming a "mode of operation" in our science industry, science or scientism is a new religion if you haven't noticed. What is undeniable is that whatever "side" someone falls on, and the more righteous or correct they tend to become(or convince themselves of) -the more wrong they usually are. It is likely this propensity to embrace, celebrate, and promote this "perceived correctness" is ironically a strong sign of mental illness or "crazy" to use the outdated and over-applied term from the headline. As an example, a casual observer may see the prevalent advertisements in this publication, combined with the propensity of some of the messaging to seemingly focus on "pumping up those property values" and conclude that is a major motivation of this outlet. This could obviously be wrong, I suppose "the bills need to get paid" somehow. The ability to "open your eyes", and observe a situation with an effort to honestly consider the prevalent polarization, or even(god forbid) consider multiple angles, can be supremely liberating. This is becoming increasingly difficult in our age of spoon fed, cultish-ly curated information. Obviously we all have bias in different forms and areas, it seems as though recognizing these biases is somehow viewed as weakness. The phrase "divide and conquer" feels relevant, in that those who, in-effect, rule over, profit from, and desire to continue control over the masses -simply keep us fighting against each other. A fair amount of attention has been devoted to wokeness, wokeism, or the woke. However termed, it is rather interesting how those who attempt to define, identify, or even pigeonhole this perceived "movement" tend to come across as being "fast asleep". It was asserted in a previous article by Lynn Mandaville that a current political movement originated with a specific group in the 1970's, this may be "specifically true". Not to discredit the research, opinion, or observation of the obvious weaponization by opposition, but I respectfully disagree. I would contend this business started way before the last century, and that the terminology has been corrupted and likewise degraded the original intent and true definition. I tend to believe the CORRECT and PROPER terms (and true source of this mentality) are actually the words awakened and enlightened. It is said this standpoint and method or ability to observe and interpret originated with the first Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Of course this has been manipulated and corrupted into a type of cult as well, especially in modern western society. This part will likely "ruffle some feathers", a fair amount of speculation theorizes that the Jesus spent his "lost years" studying this method or system of belief. Aside from the specific origins, I cant help but notice how the core intent and methods are continually disregarded and re-framed. A key aspect is "the middle way", sounds easy enough, rarely is. Is often on a knifes edge, and will usually be misinterpreted by most as opposition to their own entrenchment. If not vigilant and patient it is very easy to stray from this path and get lost in the weeds. Is not for the faint of heart, although it may be the only way to a realistic understanding, perhaps the only practical way forward. Definitely not for everyone, especially those set in their ways. It feels like y'all have caught a glimpse of this trail, perhaps you even step on it at times. Either way, it is inspiring to see the possibility acknowledged.