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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. - Albert Einstein
Here you will find information on Centrism. What it is and how do Centrists act politically. Also included is information
on why the American political landscape needs changing and how Centrism can work in American politics to truly serve the American
people. You will also find information on the American Centrist Party and our plan to bring public service not politics to
the forefront of American government.
Centrism is more than just a way of political thought and action; it is the knowledge
and belief that we can do better for America and ourselves. Centrism is the knowledge and belief that America is a n amazing
nation and fantastic things are possible in America. With hard work, integrity, and compassion we can build an America that
we and generations before have dreamed about. We can build an America that we and generations after will see realized. Centrism
is a true representation of American spirit, determination, and independence.
Centrist- n. One
who takes a position in the political center. That is the technical definition of a Centrist. One who takes a political
position in the center? What is the center? A Centrist is an independent and someone who does not hold themselves
to the party politics of the right or left. Being a Centrist allows you to have your politics a la carte, to have the freedom
of political thought. A Centrist can support some liberal principles and some conservative principles while having the freedom
to disagree with both. A Centrist cares about finding the right workable solution to a problem regardless of whose idea it
is or whether it is from the right or the left or from anywhere else. A Centrist is independent and puts solutions ahead of politics and will push ahead on their own to create effective
efficient solutions in service to the American people when others will not work with them. A Centrist values and practices
non partisanship but at the same time will stick to the principles of the maximizing citizen choice & responsibility
& the public good. Centrists do not compromise just for compromise sake but work to find common ground
to grow from and work with. While a Centrist will honestly try to work with others a Centrist holds strong convictions
and will always take a firm but reasonable stand on any issue. There is no hard and fast rule as to what a Centrist is and
that is part of the independence of being a Centrist. However, Centrists usually agree on an efficient government,
fiscal responsibility and restraint, and freedom of choice on personal issues, and a strong diplomacy and national
defense. You can also learn more by checking out our Centrist Media & Literature section.
Why Centrism?
Centrism allows you to have your politics a la carte and the freedom of political thought. There are good
liberal principles and good conservative principles but also many negative ones as well. Just focusing on one or the other
closes off many options to political thought and solutions. Centrism also offers the freedom of pushing ahead on your own
to create effective solution when others choose not to work together. Centrism has no creed except to listen to the public
and enact the most efficient & effective solution in the interest of the American people.
Most
Americans are an independent centrist; they just don’t know it yet. The liberal and conservative movements have
gotten off track from positive principles by caring about scoring “political points” against the other. Neither
the left nor the right has a monopoly on righteousness or correct thought. Each side gives a pass to their own that they would
never tolerate from others.
Centrism offers people an opportunity to work together for real solutions that make
sense. While Centrists will disagree with each other on certain issues, Centrism brings people together by being open to political
thought and ideas. Being pragmatic and open minded when it comes to political thought can bring about new ideas and merging
of existing ideas to help solve critical issues America faces. Centrism also offers the freedom of pushing ahead on your own
to create effective solution when others choose not to work together. Centrists are not beholden to special interests and
politics as usual and offer a reasonable plan for public service that will work. Centrism has no creed except to listen to
the public and enact the most efficient & effective solution in the interest of the American people.
Why do American political options
need change? Originally our nation did
not have political parties and George Washington had a noticed disdain for them. Our nation did quickly develop them however.
They developed because people of a like mind tend to join together for a common cause that is human nature. Political parties
are not bad but they can and have been misused and corrupted over time. Political parties offer organization to ideas and
movements, they bring people together to cooperate through strength of actions together when as individuals or small groups
it would be difficult. With that being said why do
America’s political options need to change? The current two major party system only offers restricted versions of liberal
and conservative viewpoints. There is nothing wrong with believing in liberal and conservative viewpoints; there are good
points to both. The problem is by just focusing on either ideology it closes off your options to pragmatic about issues and
finding solutions to them. Both the Republican and Democratic
parties have lost their way, they have both at times abandoned positive principles they claim to hold dear; like increasing
economic opportunity for all, equal protection and right under the law, fiscal responsibility, smaller more efficient government.
Both the Republican and Democratic parties are two sides of the same coin. They each disagree with each other on almost everything
but the one thing they agree on is that they don’t want any other major challengers to their status quo. In almost every
election across the nation the Republicans and Democrats usually each have fifty- fifty chance in each one. Centrists
tend to support major electoral and campaign reform which will give the power to the American people to whom it belongs and
not to special interests. Our
current political problems of gridlock will not be changed by just one man or woman, they can inspire change but they will
not be able to do it themselves. Our government and its gridlock problems are because of the competing overriding ideology
of many, many political leaders in Washington, our state capitols and local governments. From a purely political standpoint,
Centrists in government can with enough numbers and support encourage and make Democrats and Republicans and other groups
work together. It will take a movement of Americans getting active, educated and aware. The American Centrist Party
is here and will be here in the future to be a tool for Americans to demand and bring about a better government and in turn
to help bring America better days. Only by coming together and not closing off our options can we truly make a difference.
How can Centrism change and work in American politics? Centrism is all about positive
pragmatism and independence. Centrists keep their political thought and options open and independent. Centrist political officials
can take the positive aspects from any political thought and disagree and fight against those that are negative wherever they
may originate from. Centrism is all about finding workable real solutions to issues without regard for political ideology.
Centrism can unite Americans by encouraging them to be open and to take each issue as it comes instead of relying on sticking
to inflexible political ideologies of the left and the right. Most Americans are not entirely liberal on all issues or entirely
conservative, they are Centrist. Centrism can bring about true change by offering an alternative that most Americans can agree
with or understand instead of the political bickering now offered by the left and right. From a purely political standpoint,
Centrists in government can with enough numbers and support encourage and even make Democrats and Republicans and other groups
work together. Centrism offers a choice and alternative by allowing Americans to use their reason and beliefs for real workable,
cooperative solutions to America’s issues.
The American Centrist Party’s
Plan: The
ACP realizes that change will not happen overnight but is committed to bringing about the change and government Americans
need, desire, and deserve. We can only do that be getting people excited, active, and aware of the need for change and for
Centrism. That is why the members of the American Centrist Party are committed to growing the grassroots Centrist Movement
and secondly using the party as tool to bring about Centrist political change and reform.
The ACP
is working on two fronts; one as big citizen action group trying to bring about election reform and to get our nations current
leaders to adopt independence, reason and Centrism. The second front is if that does not work, is to prepare to work for the
American people as a political party and change the system that way. Our actions to bring about reform as we grow even not
under the ACP banner or name is truly independent and is a way we can work with other groups and inspire them to work together.
Not many political parties do that, but then again the ACP is not your average political party. The ACP is all about Public
Service, not politics.
Most leaders in Washington and our state capitols are unlikely
to change now, but some may. That is why the ACP is dedicated to helping to inspire and train Americans to run for office
and truly become the change they wish to make. We can develop these leaders and change our local communities first which is
why the ACP is working to grow at a local and state level and build from there.
We can compete and get the Centrist message across easier on local and state levels. As new Centrist
public servants emerge they will gain experience and can move on to federal posts as the movement grows. The ACP is open and
trying to work with like minded groups for change and advancement of the Centrist Movement and for better days for America.
It doesn’t matter whether better government comes from the ACP or not. All that matters to the ACP is change for the
best government for the American people.
The ACP is fighting for change right now as we grow.
The ACP Action Groups, Blog, Forum, and Live Chat enable members to connect and join their voices together for action now.
ACP Action Groups enable the members to work together on issues that concern them to monitor them, educate fellow members
and contact government representatives to make their voice and the ACP’s heard. This has been successful and will continue
to be.
The ACP truly cares about our nation and communities, not just votes. That is why
the ACP strongly encourages all of our members to volunteer in their communities to help make them better. The ACP encourages
its members to volunteer with their religious and faith groups, Habitat for Humanity, mentorship programs, and literacy groups
among many others. We can not only change our communities and nation with our political actions and votes but with our dedication,
hearts and hard work.
Why should I support, join, and work with the American Centrist Party? The whole foundation
of our American Democracy has been routed in why. Without asking why we need a king and why should we respect tyrannical rule,
America would not exist in the form it does today. Americans are asking why and getting a partisan runaround. This has been
going on for decades regardless of who is in power in Washington. There is an alternative and the alternative is for the American
people to step up and realize that it is our government and our America. We must call for change and be active in bringing
about that change. 1. The American Centrist Party is committed to bringing real lasting change driven by the American
people working together for our common good. ACP members are committed to being and promoting positive public servants not
politicians. Our nation needs PUBLIC SERVANTS not politicians. The difference between the two is not just definition but the principles of action
and service. 2. The ACP is realistic about politics. We realize we will not change government overnight but
with your support and working with us we can grow stronger and truly make more of a difference, each and every day in each
and every year. It will take a movement not just one election to change the direction of our nation. 3. The ACP is
a true growing grassroots movement. The ACP was founded by a prison guard who is now in the US Army and its current chairman
is a student and freelance writer. Our membership is made up of average Americans from all 50 states. 4. The ACP is
committed to working with other parties and organizations if to bring about the lasting change and reformation that our government
needs. 5. The ACP believes that all politics is local and wants to have a firm local and state basis for our
organization. Only by changing our towns and cities can we hope to change the states and our nation. 6. The ACP is
a member run and member driven organization. Our members vote on platform issues, candidate endorsements, and issues to support
and which action to take on that issue. 7. Joining the ACP is free. You don’t have to change your political
registration or voting registration to join. If you believe in supporting the freedom of political thought from strict ideologies
and want to bring true lasting change to America then the ACP is for you. 8. If you are looking for people who are committed
to changing things, join and support the ACP. You are not alone; we are all in this together and need to work to make our
government and nation better. 9. The business of the ACP is transparent via our live chat meetings, forum discussions and online
voting. The business of the ACP is open to all eyes or our supporter and members, just like our government should be.
10. The
members of the ACP realize that our nation and the world will never be perfect. We as people on an individual and group
basis are imperfect therefore our world and nation will be imperfect. However that does not mean we as people and as a nation
and world should not try to make things better and be the best we can be. The ACP realizes that government is not the answer
but it can work better for all American people.
Questions
about the American Centrist Party?
Question: This website mentions that
Centrism is being independent politically, shouldn’t and independent not support any political party? Answer: The ACP is only a party for organizational
purposes. If the ACP can influence the Democrats or Republicans to get their act together for real. Great!! Mission accomplished!!
The totally real the independent centrist movement needs coherent direction. That is not to say everyone must think and do
the same but there needs to be more cohesiveness in action and cooperation, which is where the ACP tries to fit in.
Question: So what makes the American Centrist Party different from other parties?
Answer: The ACP is a party that is
open to anyone regardless of political thought who believes in democracy and working together to solve America’s problems.
America is a great nation and has a lot of positive things going for it, mainly, its people and their determination.
However there are a lot of problems and the ACP believes and will work together within itself and with others to make America’s
best days ahead of us instead of behind. Also our platform not only states the stands of the ACP but also how we plan to bring
that about financially and in implementation.
Question:
Won’t the ACP eventually fall into the same trap of partisan politics that other parties have?
Answer: No, not as long as ACP members and the American people remain active
in making sure the ACP represents the interest of the American people. The ACP will not fall into the trap of partisan politics.
The ACP is about solutions not spin. The ACP is about participation not partisanship. The ACP itself is only a “political
party” for the sake of organizational purposes to draw concerned active people together for the common good of America.
The ACP does not exist to serve itself but the American people.
Question: Money dominates the political
landscape of America. How does the ACP expect to overcome that?
Answer: In most aspects of American life money is an important tool and it is important in politics. Also and
even more important is the voice and actions of everyday Americans. Everyday Americans are what drives the ACP and makes up
its membership. Together with voices, actions and patience the ACP will grow. Votes still make elections. Money will come
along with growth as long as the ACP shows that working together we can make America better. The ACP will show that America
can be better.
Question: Does the ACP plan on running a Presidential candidate in near future?
Answer: It depends on the candidate and the situation. The ACP has already
helped Republican and Democratic and Independent candidates on the local, state and federal level. The ACP is still growing
and compared to the “Big Two” parties is still very small. However, the ACP currently has members in 50 states
in America. Our plan is to be around for the long haul, not just one election. The ACP wants to develop Americans who want
to make their local communities, state or nation better. We are growing a firm base on local and state levels that will help
us to grow stronger in the coming years. The government is made up of more than just the President and the ACP will focus
on changing more than just the Presidency.
Question: How does the ACP work?
Answer: The ACP is run by its members. ACP members vote on all platform issues
and even nominate those issues. The ACP is overseen by a National Committee and each state is overseen by a State Committee.
The ACP is guided by laws that make sure the party represents the membership and defines the actions and responsibilities
of its committee leaders.
If you have any other questions or comments please email questions@americancentristparty.net
Independent Centrist Quotes:
Check out the following Centrist quotes
by these American leaders, you might be surprised to know some of the strong American leaders who have said or written them:
"I am a man who believes with all fervor and intensity in moderate progress.
Too often men who believe in moderation believe in it only moderately and tepidly and leave fervor to the extremists of the
two sides -- the extremists of reaction and the extremists of progress. Washington, Lincoln . . . are men who, to my mind,
stand as the types of what wide, progressive leadership should be."
—Theodore Roosevelt
"I was no party man myself, and the first wish
of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them."
—George Washington
"I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of
any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for
myself. Such addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent. If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I
would not go there at all."
—Thomas Jefferson
"Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We are all Republicans;
we are all Federalists."
—Thomas Jefferson
"I have always sought for the middle ground."
—James Madison
"There is nothing which I dread so much as
a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to
each other. This, in my humble apprehension, it to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution."
—John Adams
"The
legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all,
or cannot so well do, for themselves -- in their separate, and individual capacities. In all that the people can individually
do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere."
—Abraham Lincoln
"We [must] hold the just balance and set ourselves
as resolutely against improper corporate influence on the one hand as against demagogy and mob rule on the other."
—Theodore Roosevelt
"Just as Lincoln got contradictory advice from the extremists of both sides . . . so now I have to guard myself against
the extremists of both sides."
—Theodore Roosevelt
"Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but
remember to keep your feet on the ground."
—Theodore Roosevelt
"We
stand in the presence of an awakened nation, impatient of partisan make-believe."
—Woodrow Wilson
"Government is not a warfare of interests."
—Woodrow Wilson
"The future lies with those wise political leaders who realize that the great public is interested more in Government
than in politics. The growing independence of voters, after all, has been proven by the votes in every Presidential election
since my childhood and the tendency, frankly, is on the increase."
—Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Partisanship must end at the waters edge."
—Harry S. Truman
"I shall seek the support of the people of both parties. I can do this honorably because I am an independent and therefore
in a position to serve the people regardless of their politics or mine."
—Governor Earl Warren
"It is time that the great center of our people,
who reject the violence and unreasonableness of both the extreme right and the extreme left, searched their consciences, mustered
their moral and physical courage, shed their intimidated silence, and declare their consciences."
—Senator
Margaret Chase Smith
"It
is only common sense to recognize that the great bulk of Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, face many common problems
and agree on a number of basic objectives."
—Dwight D. Eisenhower
"Extremes to the right and left of any political dispute are always
wrong."
—Dwight D. Eisenhower
"The middle of the road is all of the usable surface. The extremes, right and left, are in the gutters."
—Dwight D. Eisenhower
"Extreme opposites resemble the other. Each believes that we have only two choices: appeasement or war, suicide or
surrender, humiliation or holocaust, to be either Red or dead."
—John F. Kennedy
"This is a time for courage and a time of challenge.
Neither conformity nor complacency will do. Neither fanatics nor the faint-hearted are needed. And our duty as a Party is
not to our Party alone, but to the Nation, and, indeed to all mankind. Our duty is not merely the preservation of political
power but the preservation of peace and freedom."
—John F. Kennedy Undelivered Speech, November 22nd, 1963
"Extremists on the
left tend to be just as critical of pragmatism as extremists on the right."
—Richard Nixon
"Idealism without pragmatism is impotent. Pragmatism
without idealism is meaningless. The key to effective leadership is pragmatic idealism."
—Richard Nixon
"We must reject separatism
from whatever source. We must reject white separatism. We must reject black separatism. We must hold true to the course on
which we have embarked the course which leads to an integrated society of magnificent pluralism."
—Senator
Edward Brooke
"On
human rights, civil rights and environmental quality, I consider myself to be very liberal. On the management of government,
on openness of government, on strengthening individual liberties and local levels of government, I consider myself a conservative.
And I don't see that the two attitudes are incompatible."
—Jimmy Carter
"The core of America is not racist. It is not hostile to women. It
is increasingly offended by gay bashing. Yet it abhors government waste. It believes strongly in fiscal responsibility such
as balanced budgets. It is pro-economic growth. It is concerned about the environment. It is intolerant of people on welfare
who disdain the notion of work. But it wants poor kids to have school lunches and it wants to spend money to have good schools.
In sum, most Americans are sensible, good-hearted, and prudent. The issue, then, is whether there is a political party that
can welcome them home."
—Senator Paul Tsongas
"When we put aside partisanship, embrace the best ideas regardless of where they come
from and work for principled compromise, we can move America not left or right, but forward."
—Bill Clinton
"The choice we offer is not conservative or liberal. In many ways its not even Republican or Democratic.
Its different. Its new. And it will work."
—Bill Clinton
"I'm too fiscally conservative for the Democrats and too socially
liberal for the Republicans, like 75% of the American people."
—Governor Angus King
"To be locked into partisan politics doesn't
permit you to think clearly."
—Mayor Rudy Giuliani
"Neither party should be defined by pandering to the outer reaches of American politics
and the agents of intolerance, whether they be Louis Farrakhan or Al Sharpton on the left, or Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell
on the right."
—Senator John McCain
Credit to John P. Avlon www.independentnation.org
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