The seeds of our "broken government" (today's buzzwords) were sown by Reagan and

[Atticus]

have been carefully watered, weeded and fertilized by every Republican since. Democrats who could have uprooted it or plowed it under---looked the other way and mouthed platitudes.

In a way, the obstructionism we are seeing today is similar to GW's approach to foreign policy and government in general: "You are either with us or against us". In such an either/or black and white world, compromise is impossible and those who attempt it, or even discuss it, are vilified and primaried.

However, (this is not a black and white world, remember?) that is not to say that any compromise will do and it is not meant to imply that the parties are equal in their reactionary intransigence. Generally, I agree with Van Jones: "Republicans are assholes!", but I am willing to consider that there may eventually be some exceptions.

The threshold obstacle we encounter in trying to repair this broken government is the GOP attitude that we should (again) make the first concessions and then "trust them"---(pause for laughter, coffee-spitting and keyboard clean-up)--- to follow suit. This, once again, harks back to GW's approach to dealing with foreign governments with which we had differences: "Agree to our terms and then we'll negotiate."

It is time to open our eyes and acknowledge reality: "the way things are done" sucks, big time. It. Just. Doesn't. Work. Anymore.

So, let's consider some "unconventional" approaches to the repair job everyone now seems to agree is necessary.

Begin making committee assignments and chairmanships dependent on MERIT, not strict seniority.

Obviously, the filibuster needs to be terminated, at least as it is now done. How? However---DO IT!

Let's take a more "businesslike" approach to the people's business. Why couldn't time-frames for debate and VOTING be scheduled prommptly and publicly once legislation has been introduced? Health Care Reform should have been decided, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, no later than last autumn---September or October.

It would be a better, stronger, more just nation it the words "You may be right---Let me think about that" could be said more often by members both parties.