Just a Democracy Required a Sensible Center-Right, a Sensible Center-Right Requires a Sensible Center-Left

Why do I bother posting about what a sensible center-right party's views on the issues would be?  It is obvious that a sensible center-right party is not in the cards any time soon, so why bother?  And, in any event, if I think that the issues are not the issue and all we need is a party that respects election outcomes, again, why bother?  And aren't my suggestions for a sensible center-right party just a wish list?  How does my concept of a sensible center-right party differ from a sensible center-left party?

Good questions, all. I suppose I imagine what a sensible center-right party might look like so that we can recognize it if someone tries to build one.  I am also addressing issues in the belief that parties should learn, not just to respect election results and the rights of political rivals, but also the structures that rival build.  

But the last question is the most interesting.  Kevin Drum has introduced the provocative hypothesis that liberals are primarily to blame for our polarization because we are, after all, the ones wanting to change things, which conservatives are merely trying to keep things the same.  While I think that right wingers grossly exaggerate the threat and are hysterical in their over-reaction, I do also believe that radicalization on one side tends to lead to radicalization on the other.  

If the survival of democracy depends on the existence of a sensible center-right, the survival of a sensible center-right depends on the existence of a sensible center-left.  And I will admit that the need for some continuity in policy will necessarily narrow the distance between the sides.  But I do think there can be a difference between a sensible center-right and a sensible center-left and that a party can be sensible even if I don't always agree with it.

So let me speculate on some issues, starting with immigration.