It’s a fine line between standing behind a principle and hiding behind one. You can tolerate a little compromise, if you’re actually managing to get something accomplished. — Independence Day

We have our core values, which we should never compromise.  For me, they include not harming others needlessly and the  protection of civil rights, including those to privacy, arms, and speech.  But when we are trying to find a solution to a problem, so long as we don’t violate those values, we should at least consider the opinions and proposals of those who disagree with us.  We must look for the things we share rather than emphasize the areas in which we differ.

That being said, it is quite easy and depressingly common for core values to be forgotten in exchange for temporary leverage or a payoff.  Additionally, every time we compromise on the basic things we believe in, the harder it becomes to defend them later.  Be willing to compromise on some things, but never forget who you really are.