Too often our political parties and elected officials have been unduly influenced by the extremes of the Far Right and the Far Left. We'd like to change that.

We are voters who believe in a moderately sized government. While there are some voters who feel government should be excessively large and solve all of society’s problems by taxing and spending, we do not. While there are other voters who feel government should be excessively small, solve none of society’s problem by eliminating most, if not all, taxes, we do not. Societies require government. Sometimes governments can solve our problems, other times they cannot. Through debate and compromise, we can determine what is possible and what is not. We do not believe in equal outcomes, rather equal opportunities.

We are voters who believe in a moderately intrusive government. Some believe government should have no control over anyone lives, we do not. Others believe government should be morals policemen and integrate church and state, we do not. We believe in personal responsibility and respect for all others in our society, whether they belong to a majority group or not.

We are aware history has shown candidates of the major political parties often catering to the extremes of their respective parties during the primaries and then aligning their views more with moderates when approaching the general elections. Unfortunately for moderates, this has left us with a choice of the “lesser of two evils”. We want to develop a greater presence during the primaries so that more moderates are selected as candidates.

We have less need for public masters and more need for public servants. We are a well-educated, compassionate group of men and women of all ages, races, colors and creeds. We are knowledgeable of today’s events and are able to generate informed opinions. We expect our elected officials to heed the voices of their constituents rather than the voices of special interests.

We have learned from our friends of the Far Right and the Far Left that we need to be as vocal and passionate about our views as they are of theirs. For our views are no less reasoned than theirs. Our goals, no less important. Our beliefs, no less honorable.

We are moderates. And we vote.

ModerateVoters.org was started by Mr. Gary A. Butts, a Southern California resident, in 2003 to help make sure the agenda of moderates is heard . . . and acted upon.