What is a Centrist?

A Centrist in the U.S. is considered by many on either side of the current political spectrum to be a moderate and is distrusted and even ridiculed by both. A Centrist can ally themselves with any party on any issue or stand alone as a voice of moderation. However, a Centrist is above all a pragmatist and will fight for the right and workable choice on the issues. Above all a Centrist does not necessarily have to be a moderate and in fact usually is not. Let us look at a few examples.
A Centrist trusts neither of the major American parties and realizes that many of our elected representatives are "bought and paid for."
A Centrist may understand and sympathize with illegal immigrants but require that the illegal immigration be stopped immediately by any humane means available.
A Centrist may understand the desire for American businesses to lessen their labor costs, but will be in favor of stiff penalties for those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
A Centrist should understand the need for a strong national defense and require that the United States maintain forces that frighten enemies and reassure allies.
A Centrist should understand that our military forces need to constantly train with the forces of our allies and stand with them if one or more of them is under threat. After all our allies are standing with us. Don't believe that? Just look at the number of British, German, Canadian, and other troops killed in the fight with the Mohammedans.
A Centrist should understand that this nation reserves the right of first strike on a potential threat. This includes limited use of atomic arms if necessary.
A Centrist may understand that the current sitting chief executive of this nation may not be legally qualified to hold the post. A Centrist would also understand that cowardice in the legislative branch will prevent his immediate removal from office if it should be proven that he is in the position illegally.
A Centrist would understand that the current state of health care in the nation is unfair and that people die from lack of treatment due to lack of insurance or funds. A Centrist would be in favor of immediate overhaul of the system so that all are treated with the best that medical science has to offer. Unfortunately a Centrist would distrust any solution that is advanced by the current administration.
A Centrist may believe that some alternative energy is viable and funding should go to the research and development of these sources. However, a Centrist would also understand that doing so at the expense of the national economy and defense capability would be foolish.
A Centrist would support a "drill here, drill now" policy to lessen our dependence on Muslim oil thus improving our defense capability.
A Centrist may understand that clean coal energy and atomic power are an important ingredient in the energy policy and should be defended from the radical environmental movement.
A Centrist always knows that the radical left and the radical right take different roads to the same destination. That destination is tyranny and totalitarianism.
A Centrist may understand that unionization can be a road to a better standard of living for many workers. A Centrist would further understand that a functioning union/management partnership can maintain a healthy check on the corporate malfeasance.
A Centrist will also understand that unions that gain inordinate influence can and will destroy an industry, damage the national economy and potential defense capabilities. The UAW was allowed to severely damage the auto industry and the teachers unions have had an impact on damaging the educational system.
A Centrist can listen to both conservative and liberal commentary and make rational decisions on what to and not to support.
A Centrist will understand that businesses that outsource American jobs to third world nations are damaging this nation beyond repair.
What distinguishes a Centrist from those that blindly follow a party line? The ability to think. A great many of our citizens do not have the ability to think for themselves and will follow whatever brand name is most appealing. Unfortunately these people are not very much different than cattle that will follow each other to the slaughter house. Something to ponder.