What happened to sanity?

A thoughtful approach to politics and progress

Apr 13

In a time of intense polarization, it’s more important than ever to clarify not just which side you’re on, but why. Labels like “left” or “right” don’t tell us much. We need more than shorthand. We need a political language that connects values to policy and helps people understand not just where we stand, but what we stand for.

Government should be a tool—acting where needed, like in healthcare and defense, but stepping back when communities can solve problems better than bureaucracy. Government must be big enough to meet essential needs, but limited enough to avoid unnecessary intrusion.

Capitalism drives innovation but can concentrate power and undermine dignity. We need regulation to prevent monopolies and ensure fairness, especially in sectors like healthcare and education, which should not be treated as profit-driven markets. These are essential services, not commodities.

Justice means equal opportunity, not equal outcomes. People’s abilities and circumstances vary, but everyone deserves a fair start. We must eliminate barriers like discrimination and poverty. However, forcing equal outcomes creates new injustices, so we focus on removing obstacles, not controlling results.

Free speech is fundamental, but it’s not freedom from consequences. Criticism is part of discourse, and ideological coercion—whether from the state or social pressure—damages society. We need spaces where ideas can compete freely, and consensus is built through dialogue, not enforced conformity.

A wealthy society should not tolerate poverty or medical bankruptcy. Everyone deserves access to food, housing, and healthcare as basic rights. These are not radical demands; they are the foundation of a decent society, ensuring dignity for all.

Global challenges like climate change require international cooperation. But globalism must avoid imperialism. We should work with allies and defend democracy through diplomacy, not force. Spreading values by invasion rarely succeeds—pluralism works better than imperialism.

Reform, not revolution, is the key to progress. Utopian dreams often concentrate power in dangerous hands. Real change comes through practical reforms in areas like policing and education, rather than tearing everything down. Progress happens when we fix what’s broken, not start over.