Polarization is the result of changing opinions

I recently read a lengthy analysis of a Pew Research report about changing political opinions over time. I also came across a 2015 “Bipartisan Index” attempting to explain polarization and dysfunction in Washington. This index was developed by former Senator Richard Lugar and Georgetown University Economist Edward Montgomery. Then I read a “pundit’s” comments proclaiming that no studies were necessary because it’s obvious that conservatives had made a “hate-filled movement to the radical right.”
I started to think about my personal observations of changes in political thinking over time. To organize my analysis, I constructed a comparison of the U.S. of my 20s and 30s, with politics today, as I happily and thankfully “linger” in my “late 60s.” Following are issues that conservatives and liberals holler a lot about:
• Definition of marriage
• Abortion policies
• Gender identity issues
• Tax reform
• Voter ID requirements
• Border security and enforcement
• Balanced budget and national debt
• Government controlling health care
• Energy independence using fossil fuels
• Firearm ownership and regulation
• Definition of equality
• The government’s role in our lives
• The U.S. role in world leadership
(There are others—add your own)
Regarding these issues, I believe the positions held in 2016 by conservatives, many of which give liberals severe “stomach acid,” would be very much the mainstream or moderate, even majority, opinions of just a generation ago. You may not agree that applies to all of these listed issues, but for the most part I’m confident in my evaluation.
An acquaintance took umbrage with my analysis. Here are some additional debates he challenged me with, along with my brief reaction:
• Minimum wage—Conserva-tives agree with the goal of raising the poorest out of poverty, but aren’t convinced increases will adequately benefit those intended to be helped.
• Social Security—Conservatives and liberals both want a financially sound system, but conservatives are more convinced the current structure is not sustainable.
• Abortion—Conservatives have remained fairly consistent on this.
• Gay marriage—While conservatives have evolved far less than liberals on this issue, I assure you there’s been substantial changes in conservative opinion.
Let’s bring this discussion a little closer to today’s reality. Regarding the recent election campaign, the New York Times described the 2016 Republican Presidential Platform as moving “far right.” Here are four major “planks”: Strong immigration policy; Support for traditional marriage; Strong national defense; an “America First” policy in international trade agreements. One may disagree with these positions, but it’s difficult to argue this is a movement “far to the right” of where the positions were 20 or 30 years ago.
Liberals accuse conservatives of “moving to the radical right.” I’m not saying change is bad—much to the contrary. We’ve had real cultural changes which have led to different perspectives on old issues, and some very new issues. And in many things conservative thinking would have been well served by more flexibility.
There are times that conservatives should set aside a traditional belief. But when they don’t, does anyone have the right to accuse them of “making a hate-filled movement to the radical right?” No. Because for the most part, they haven’t changed. So . . . who actually HAS been doing the most changing—for good or for ill? Some very sincere supporters of today’s transformative trends have fooled themselves into thinking they’ve always held their current opinions—they haven’t.
All of us should remember that often, the reticence to change is founded in sincere and legitimate beliefs and convictions. These traditions don’t change easily. And we must not forget that change, just for the sake of change, is not inherently self-redeeming.

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