Look, there have been congresses in the past where in the exec. was one party, congress the other, things seemed to get done. The lack of compromise has ways been and always will be a 2 way street.
From time to time things they each do or not do appear more egregious along party lines as in the drilling fiasco. Mass public opinion is usually the only thing that moves them because it means local politics have gone bad for them too, so they get something done.
The drilling ordeal will, eventually pass unless oil drops significantly. Polling data will drive the compromise, after the dems have made totally sure their eco adherents know they have done everything humanly possible to deep six it.

I will say this congress really takes the cake and as the leadership of the reps deserves credit when it goes bad under their watch, so do Pelosi and Reid. They are the leaders, they own it. Its thier responsibility to work out these compromises.

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No individual can plan his own existence in their view.

So the state planners must arrogate to themselves the right to manipulate any sector of the economic system if the good of “society” or the “general welfare” is paramount.

Ipso- if the rights of the individual get in the way, the rights of the individual must be sublimated.

The Road to Serfdom
FA Hayek (interpretation)