Sometimes a picture ...

Representative Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind, accompanied by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash, at a news conference today to discuss health care legislation.



Compromise is the lifeblood of the democratic process. By engaging the opposition in give and take and deal making, the majority gets a certain degree of co-operation ...

... and the minority can get some facets of their agenda enacted. The picture above is the logical consequence of the no compromise position taken by the Republican leadership. If the majority cannot be engaged and must pass all legislation without the aid of the minority, the minority position can and will be ignored. Our late Senator Kennedy was a master at compromise and, while his party was in the minority, was still able to enact some important legislation. As a result, he is remembered as a great legislator.
Either the Republicans can choose to engage and participate with the Democrats by making deals and compromises, or they can stand solidly in opposition to any and all compromise and be completely ignored.