A pragmatist is one who tries to find consensus so that things get done. In other words, they see both sides of the issues and have empathy for both sides.
They are the mediators and arbitrators of this world. Even though they have their own passions, they find ways to deal with the reality of the world. They get very little credit, are not always popular, frequently blamed by both sides, but they get s#@t done despite the passionate supporters of opposing sides.
Here is an excellent example of getting things done:
Michael Pollan on the food safety bill on http://voices.washingtonpost.com/...
But they managed a compromise?
Tester made some changes. The 400-mile radius struck a lot of people as very large. You could be near the Mexico border and sell in Los Angeles. But 400 miles is apparently an official USDA definition of local. So Tester shrank it to 275 miles and made some other tweaks to satisfy the consumer groups. So now the small and local food advocates and the consumer groups are together on this, and the Tester amendment will be in the managers amendment, which means it won't require a separate vote.
I think, its agreed upon, everyone has the right to express their opinion. And there is nothing wrong with being a passionate supporter. But when you start attacking someone who has another opinion, you shut down the conversation and conflate the disagreement.
If we amplify everything we hear nothing.
You have every right to fight for your positions, but when you get to attacking each other, or attacking others who acknowledge the time when compromise is necessary, you wind up killing your own causes. Progressives need to work together, not attack each other. Please don't lose sight of the main progressive core issues. Thank you.
We hear every damn day about how fragile our country is—on the brink of catastrophe—torn by polarizing hate and how it’s a shame that we can’t work together to get things done, but the truth is we do. We work together to get things done every damn day!
Here is a pleasant reminder: