The Empty Middle...

Opening up the middle (clearing the lane) is a good thing for the offensive team to do in the game of basketball. It allows for a play to be run down the center of the lane where, usually, the higher-percentage shot can be taken...and just maybe, the player attempting that shot will also be fouled by a defensive player scurrying to cover the offensive player taking advantage of that wide-open middle.

But, son-of-a-gun, I don't think opening up the middle is a good thing in American politics.

The recent retirement announcments by Olympia Snow (R) and Ben Nelson (D) mean that two people who are moderates in their respective parties will no longer be there...in the middle.
The recent gridlock in our nation's congress...in my book, a result of electing too many extemists...is very, very frustrating. And, while its been brought to a head for the reason I just listed, it has been building for some years.
We have been allowing...even cheering...political dodgeball for too long: wherein the winners "take-out" the opposition instead of winning them over.
Civility is not now considered a virtue for a congress-person. Rather, defending a staked-out position, is the default position of a growing number of candidates and voters.
I wish more people who serve us in political office were filling that middle-space where civility and compromise were valued.
Folks lined up on either side of the aisle shouting at each other might make for good evening news theatre, but it does little or nothing to move us forward.