[nlittlepoole]

I'm not OP but compromise is only a choice if both sides see that as being better than the status quo. You are right that Status Quo is the third choice but it seems both sides of lots of issues prefer that than compromise because for a lot of these moral issues "compromise" is a step in a worse direction. I'd guess largely because of "slippery slope" type of fears.

For issues that can't be compromised, federalism is the solution. However this falls apart for issues where there are real (or perceived) externalities. If you are anti-abortion because of your moral framework, its unlikely you see allowing another community to do it as acceptable. The same as if you are worried about climate change, you don't want fracking in places you don't live.

[lhorie]

Excellent points