disappearing middle/Whitman in the corner

[OnBackground]

I was raised in an area where, at that time, moderates, mainly Republicans, ruled and most people considered themselves reasonable, moderate folks. Liberals and conservatives influenced some debates and contested some elections, but they were not major players. Maybe I got used to that amicable, middle-of-the-road policy and political environment.

As I read about the marginalization of moderates in the ruling Republican party today, I cannot help but long for those days where at least it seemed like people worked together, across party lines. As the conservative wing of the GOP has surged, the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A19751-2005Apr1?language=printer">moderates in that party have chosen to hide in a corner</a>. Reading a critical review of a book by, and the plans of, Christine Whitman, former EPA Administrator and NJ governor, reminds me of their disappearance.