Playground Compromise

I have been trying to find humor in the situation in our capital. Laughter is good for the soul and I was brought up to find a little humor in the situation. So let me paint a picture of a moment of laughter for you to relieve some of the current tension. There is big drama and big concerns no matter what your political views may be concerning the use of the tax dollars you pay. Perhaps we don’t pay attention until some issue personally affects us- and this one affects everyone.
Do you remember being on the playground and watching other kids (or maybe it was you) trying to hold on to your “territory”, a spot on the playground where you and your friends always played, a game with a certain rule, or a thought you would not change thinking there is just one answer?
Picture the children on the playground with their arms crossed, one hip out, heels in the sand and lower lip extended- maybe even a line of some kind between. There were glares and usually some verbal sparring as well- usually short phrases. This continued until either the teacher or principal came over and with or without the help of others, mediated or the bell rang and everyone went into the building. Of course each group involved blamed the other for the situation.
Sometimes the frustration continued and the positions remained the same the next recess or it was forgotten and friendship was restored the next day. The line in the sand became blurred and usually ended up in a compromise. This is where collaboration skills and for many, peer mediation skills and the idea of win, win (compromise) or even core democrat values were learned and practiced.
Although what is going on in Washington is much more serious, I picture the major players being the kids on the playground. Take a moment and smile/chuckle- it’s good for your health.
Since the issues of the budget affect all of us this is where we need to practice those skills we learned growing up. We (the people) value our democracy. Many of us just take it for granted. What is decided in the next week affects each of use to remember we each pay taxes. What decisions are made affect us all as well as the health and happiness of us and the future of our children. There is no recess bell so who is going to mediate?