DIVISION: Right and left’s core truths at odds

Sarah Martin’s recent opinion piece is an admirable attempt to forge dialogue. However, it is devoid of some basic understanding as to why there is a deep division between the progressives and conservatives. This formidable chasm exists because the core philosophical values between the two sides cannot be reconciled. Progressives adhere to a postmodernist cultural Marxist worldview, whereas conservatives hold to a modernist Judeo-Christian cultural view. 

The very concept of what constitutes truth is different between the two sides. Progressives maintain that truth is fluid and subject to the personal experiences of the individual. Conservatives believe that truth is outside of ourselves and can only be ascertained through observation, logic, reasoning, and objective analysis. Also, the concepts of whether you believe that “essence precedes existence” (a conservative view) or “existence precedes essence” (a progressive view) are diametrically opposed to each other. 

These are not esoteric academic exercises in irrelevancy but truly are essential in understanding the divide. Although any attempt to open dialogue between the progressives and conservatives may have a dubious outcome, it should be attempted with the understanding that philosophical terms must be collectively understood and agreed upon.

DANIEL FLORES

Hayden