What seems to have been lost is the art of compromise. In a politically divided country like ours where neither side has a political majority, if even one side decides they will not accept anything less than 100%, paralysis and gridlock is guaranteed. Unfortunately, uncompromising obstruction and gridlock seems to have become a deliberate political strategy. Our democracy requires both sides to give up a little to achieve a functioning government. But if you hate government, and want to blow everything up, my way or the highway, I guess it is an effective strategy.