Welcome to the very first post of The Take!  These days it seems like most issues in Washington are so polarized that real discourse and compromise are decried as betrayals of party principle.  However, throughout America there remains an alternative perspective, that polite conversation is possible, and that the concept of political party--as personal identity-- is one whose time has long past.  This perspective looks at ideas individually on the basis of their own merit, and not whether they fit a "conservative" or "liberal" perspectives, but whether they would work.  It's true that we can never be free of our biases (nor should we perceive bias as inherently wrong), but we can be free of shouting.  Believing what we believe because we think it is right, not because it is part of a party platform, and open to hearing differing viewpoints.  At The Take, issues facing America will be examined and our "take" given, but ultimately it is desired you will give your own thoughts.  Never let politicans, parties, or other talking-heads have the final word in what you believe.