What has happened in this thread is the same that has happened across the country.Kerry/Bush---Left/Right---Black/White---Us/Them---Mustard/Ketchup!The only thing that seems to make the news is extreme differences of opinion.Any of the major news organizations cant have 2 people of differing opinions talk about issues rationally,they would much rather have 2 people screaming at each other for the ratings bonanza.My interest in politics really started when I was nominated by my tech school shop teacher to attend the American Legions Boys State.It was to this day one of the best times of my life.EVERYONE should attend one of these forums.For 2 weeks we learned how and why government functions.How it works good when its open and how it struggles when its not forthcoming with its citizens and the imporatence of civic duty(voting).It seems that in order to be considered for high elected office from either party one must have the parties extreme views to be considered for nomination.Most of the people in this country are centrist.I have many views that many consider liberal and also I have views that many consider conservative.So the idea is to get candidates that appeal to the majority of citizens.Currently democrats and republicans can only vote in there own parties primaries.What I think would be a better way to get more candidates that would appeal to the majority of the centrist population would be to allow ALL registered voters to vote in BOTH parties primaries.There are some centrist republicans that I would have no problem voting for.We need to stop the extreme polarization of society and move back to a more civil place.Remember what Ghandi said--Be the change you want to see in the world. P.S. You all type to fast,its hard to keep up with this thread.