I am a Mugwump!

I am a Mugwump!   

Perhaps you ask, “What is a Mugwump?”  One of my most beloved professors, Dr. John Pretlove introduced his students to this unusual creature by explaining that “the Mugwump is a strange bird that sits on a fence with his mug on one side and his wump (rump) on the other!”   The danger for this creature, he went on to explain, is that it is often shot at from both sides.

Those who sit on the fence are often are perceived as being afraid to take a stand, trying to please everyone, or, perhaps, wishy-washy.  Though it, I’m sure, is true for some, it is not true for all who sit on the fence.  Some arrive at the center, on the fence, because we look to the right and we are aware that right is not always….right.    Looking to the left, the Mugwump often perceives that the left is not always wrong. 

This Mugwump, has some very strongly held beliefs and values.  Some of these values would be perceived by some as liberal or leftist, others are thought to be conservative and quite to the right.  Does the Mugwump feel conflicted? Sometimes, yes. Does it make it difficult to decide on a political candidate? At times, yes.  Why?  Because neither the left nor the right defines the Mugwump.

The Mugwump stands in the middle and sees how this polarization pulls nations, states, and communities further apart. From his perch on the fence the Mugwump tries to understand the needs and concerns of the left, and the concerns and needs of the right.  The Mugwump is seeking for some common ground that can bring these warring sides together.  The Mugwump is seeking for chance of compromise that would bring benefit to both the right and left.  Policies and practices that would improve life for all. 

The call of the Mugwump is often a call to surrender.  A call to sacrifice some of one’s personal rights and freedoms to give space for other’s.  Laying aside some of one’s personal desires.  The Mugwump’s song is a song of altruism calling each individual to look outside of themselves, outside their communities, outside their ethnic or racial group, outside their socio-economic level to try to see and understand the desires, the needs, the hopes and dreams of others and to ask themselves, “What can I do to make this world, this life a better place for everyone, not just me and mine?”

Some say that to make the world better, I need to move to the left.  Others tell me I need to move to the right to make the world great again.  This Mugwump says we need to move toward each other with wings spread to serve and lift up each other.  We need to work for the common good and not turn our back with each one going his own way defending his own interest.

I am a Mugwump.

Gary Lynn Corker

Corte Madera, California

May 21, 2018