[Edward64]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

In all seriousness, you fashion yourself a centrist - and we can all have a good laugh and debate about this another time. But let's say, for this exercise, that you're the arbiter of the center and want to broker a "compromise" deal.

I describe myself as moderate but if you define centrist as below, I'd generally agree with it.

Voters who describe themselves as centrist often mean that they are moderate in their political views, advocating neither extreme left-wing nor right-wing politics.

Your question below is a great question. It's definitely worthy of discussion.

What does that deal look like? And I don't mean in general policy terms of "each side compromises something and a deal gets done" - you could say that about any bill. It also makes those negotiating in bad faith like they're actually trying to govern when, really, they're just trying to stonewall to make the person or party in charge look bad. What policies would actually be in it? I mean, in broad strokes - I don't expect it to be like "10.5M path to citizenship in 8 years" unless you want to get that granular. But I'm also curious about something with a bit more detail than "some people get more citizenship while we strengthen border security" because that's what both sides, to greater and lesser degrees (which I think matter but maybe you don't), have been saying for decades because it allows them to be vague enough to not be accountable while also not having to do anything and blame the other side. And then handicap its chances on getting through a GOP House and Dem Senate - which would have a harder time passing it?

I would love to explore this with you. But as you've said below, we've had less than successful discussions.

Originally Posted by sterlingice

We can only read the words on the pages in front of us, how they're presented, and the history of our interactions with those posing the question.
SI

So my proposal is -- can we have a discussion that does not involve personal insults, answering questions with sarcasm etc. but an exchange of ideas, asking questions and also answering them? Let me know and I'll be glad to share my ideas and ask you for yours.