One of the most frustrating aspects of marriage is the act of compromising. I summarize "compromise" as: "the act of neither side getting what it wants." Compromise is not what I'm seeing going on with the Republicans and this administration. This administration is watering down legislation to please moderate Republicans because apparently they didn't get the memo that there aren't anymore moderate Republicans. Main stream Republicans (they still have a few) would be extremely proud of the legislation that the Obama Administration has passed if it passed on their watch. As the popularity of this legislation grows with the American people the Republicans will undoubtedly take credit for having passed it.
Follow me below
The President apparently lacks a background in "playing the dozens." When you "play the dozens" the object isn't to stalemate the other person, the objective is to "shut them up" to WIN the discussion. Republicans are playing to WIN as WE (hell I don't know what we are doing)!!!!
The Republicans come to our party planning meeting: help pick the menu, decorations and party favors; and then decide not to contribute any money for the party. After they've raised all kinds of hell declaring their intent on not contributing, they then show up to the party and dare us not to allow them in. After they dance the night away they complain that the party sucked.
Major Examples: Stimulus, Health Care, Climate
Perhaps bullies can be tamed by appealing to their better demons but my experiences have shown that the only way to stop them is by hitting them back.