I have no use for anyone who votes only for their own "side," right or wrong. I want good decisions, not partisan loyalty. But it shouldn't come down to requiring a particular mindset: we need to institutionalize a more constructive approach. For example, do away with absentee filibusters. One idiot should not be able to stall all progress by the simple expedient of walking away from their open mike for days on end. Make it at least be inconvenient and grueling to prevent any forward motion on legislation. Force votes on issues. There are ways to make the current stalemate an impossibility - other than relying on the innate reasonableness of completely unreasonable people with a ruthless agenda.

Molly, willingness without compromise is nothing more than emotional masturbation. It might make you feel better but it's just not the real thing. There is no governing there. We simply cannot have a government like ours, which is an international leader, acting as it is. Action, not willingness to listen, is what America needs.

I think the issue for me is less about compromise and more about the willingness to reach across the aisle. How do we stand up for what we believe in and at the same time lead with a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints? I think it all comes down to having the "willingness." I believe this is what I reward more than the compromise itself. I want to know that those in positions of power are willing to really hear all sides of an issue.