As Thomas Jefferson put it in 1790, "In general I think it necessary to give as well as take in a government like ours." George Washington agreed and pushed continually for what he called "a spirit of accommodation."
Our "leaders" of today, however, have tossed aside the wisdom of the Founders.
"...our noble leaders tell us, we have to focus now on election 2012. What was it that Louis XV used to say? 'Après moi, le déluge' (After me, the deluge)."
---David Gergen
Read his article at: http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/21/opinion/gergen-reckless-congress/index.html?iref=obnetwork