I just don't understand why everyone is standing around talking about health care. Sure, consensus is good in theory, discussion helps people feel like they have talked, and committees can bring project to life - but in my experience people who DO get more done. People who TALK get very little done. So, I would like to see less talking in DC and more doing.
Seriously, how many of you have been on a committee to design, create, or move something along. I am SURE that those in the church have and those of you who work in any kind of office have as well. Now, you may come back and say that things worked out so well, good changes were made, people made great contributions. But my experience has been that watered down ideas get done and crap sits in committee forever. It is when someone says "I'll do it" that something gets done.
In my line of work, I have designed countless things that had to go before a committee and what always happens (unless I have done a very good coaching job from the beginning) is that they pick the worst idea and blend it with other ideas until what is produced is heartless and without any dynamic meaning.
Which is exactly what I see happening in DC.
So, if anyone is listening to me - I advise them to shut up and get to work. Stop trying to get consensus. Stop trying to get everyone's ideas. Just go do what you want to do. Someone will be happy and someone won't, but if they keep at it like they are now no one will really be happy with what is produced.