The Republicans keep claiming they want a negotiation. They get what they want, they stop holding us hostage. Perhaps there is a way.
A negotiation doesn't mean Democrats have to sit down with just the Republican ransom list. What if Obama or Reid did call - Boehner says all he wants is a call - and listed their own demands? "Sure we'll sit down. Let's go! And here's our list!"
Since gerrymandering has contributed to this mess, the Democratic list could include a bipartison redistricting plan requiring safeguards such as those proposed by Fairvote.org. What about listing campaign finance reform? An end to anti-abortion legislation? Higher taxes on the rich? What if our list contained as much of our platform as theirs does of theirs? Would that help demonstrate they don't want to negotiate - and in fact don't even know what negotiation means. Maybe that could drive home the point that all they want, as Boehner accused Democrats of today, is "my way or the highway?"
Maybe then instead of getting a Republication shut down we get a Republican shut up.