I think of "Centrists" the non-negotiable principle is cooperation and successful operation of government for the dignity of the most people, and other policy p

I think of "Centrists" the non-negotiable principle is cooperation and successful operation of government for the dignity of the most people, and other policy principles have to compete within that framework. As opposed to the Republican and Democratic parties, which have identified no-compromise principles that divide people as effectively as sporting alliances or religions. Example (of my own, not from any Centrist literature): charging a commensurate fee to pollute a river rather than strictly allowing or outlawing it. The business would prefer to be allowed to pollute for free (Republican Party principle) while the environmentalists would prefer that the pollution not be emitted under any circumstances (Democratic Party principle). But a structure that accurately prices the impacts and externalities of the pollution respects the environmental and health values, and the business can choose the most beneficial option for them: prevention, change of product or process, or just paying the fee.