Greg F, I read it. Sorry not to have commented before. In some ways--well, one fundamental one--I agree with the writer. Concensus does bring things to a homogenized politic. It can lead to watered-down health care, and it's often the old 'you drop the idea of a decent wage and we'll help you pass the health legislation (slightly amended) that you want' game that two-party politics has played for a freakin' century now. However, Hilary is so sucky with everything that there's no hope for the USA there--unless it wants more of the same it's had for decades now. Edwards may have something to add, but he'd need votes to add it. IMO, the Democrats deserve to disappear as a party, but thne I think that of Republicans too. Bastards both of 'em. They were in bed together quiclky enough to do with Iraq, and the Dems didn't seem to object to the Homeland Security Act, so what hope is there for America? Beats me.