A parent's worst nightmare

The terribly sad story of Jahi McMath tears at one's heartstrings.  The 13 year old went into hospital for a routine tonsillectomy, when, according to news reports, she "experienced complications" and has since been declared brain dead and on life support.  When the hospital prepared to remove the child from life support, her parents have taken up legal action to halt it.  That legal action is now in the courts, with the latest decision being to remove her from the life support.  An appeal is expected, because the family has stated their conviction that their daughter will recover.

I can not think of any nightmare worse for a parent than losing a child, particularly in the manner that has been described in the news.  A routine medical procedure that somehow went tragically, terribly wrong.  There is nothing imaginable that could be more devastating.

As we follow this story, my wife and I feel for the family, particularly for the parents.  Their anguish and pain are unfathomable.  However, we wonder if they are avoiding reality, directly in response to their anguish and pain?  Two separate medical evaluations have arrived at the same conclusion.  The second evaluation was provided by the chief of child neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine.

We shake our heads and discuss the tragedy, fully appreciating the parents' rejection of the declaration that their daughter is brain dead, a condition from which no recovery is possible.  Accepting that medical conclusion means also accepting the unthinkable, that their daughter is gone.  Perhaps a miracle will occur, because there are countless stories about children recovering from comas, cancer, drownings, etc.  Why can't a miracle occur now, for their daughter?

It is Christmas and maybe a miracle will occur.

Whatever transpires, as we celebrate Christmas with our children and grandchildren, I will hug each a little tighter, thinking of how the McMath family won't be celebrating.       

Missing in action (again)...

On Christmas, the Commandant of the Marine Corps and his wife, General and Mrs. Amos, were in Afghanistan meeting with Marines and sailors.  Leaders go where their folks are, particularly when the folks are going in harm's way.  Accompanying them was Sergeant Dakota Myer, recipient of the Medal of Honor.





Missing was the President.

Would society be better if...

Would society be better if...

• those screaming about intolerance were actually tolerant?
• there were fewer so-called "news" programs on cable television and radio?
• public education was actually about teaching the youth of our nation?
• adults learned from children on how to interact with one another?
• treating each other with respect was the norm, rather than the exception?
• the words "diversity" and "inequality" were scrubbed from all public sectors?
• voluntary kindness and generosity were habitually recognized?
• profanity was eliminated from all public places?
• proudly flying the American flag was celebrated?
• English was the only language used in business and government?
• religious freedom actually existed?
• the exercise of free speech wasn't vilified by intolerant progressives?
• smart phones, tablets,and MP3 players hadn't been invented?
• policemen, firefighters, teachers, and members of the armed forces were uniformly admired by the nation's citizenry?
• there were no reality TV shows?  
• honor, dignity, ethics, and integrity were staples taught to our children, beginning at a very young age by parents and reinforced during all public schooling?
• candor without rancor dominated social discourse?
• we slowed down to "smell the roses?"
• at least 95% of American citizens voted in each and every election?
• every child was raised in a nuclear family (father, mother, children)?
• personal responsibility was expected and present in all sectors of life?
• the sexual revolution hadn't occurred?
• hard work and honesty were the norm and far more prevalent?
• the positive emotions, generosity, and behavior commonly associated with Christmas were present all year?
• the lyrics for popular music were positive, rather than negative and full of vulgarity and profanity?
• being polite was normal?
• the unconditional love displayed by our small children was shared throughout society?

Christmas in the Armed Forces

It will soon be Christmas.

While celebrating the birth of Christ and considering the traditional exchanging of gifts, families and friends getting together, Christmas carols (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7baFMmSv4k), pictures of children with Santa, and the other elements marking this holiday, please take a moment (actually, more than a moment) to pray for our men and women in uniform who are away from their families, serving overseas.

Some of them are facing danger daily in combat, with others standing guard in countless countries and at sea.

It is perhaps the most trying day when away from home.  It is terribly difficult to adequately describe to someone who hasn't experienced one or more Christmases in uniform away from family and friends.  Even the most hardened of  warriors find the day challenging, with grown men reduced to tears.

Parents away from young children feel an emptiness within.

Young men, normally full of bravado and energy, seem withdrawn.

Having spent far too many Christmases away from my family, while serving in the Marine Corps, scene after scene of the impact remain fresh.

Even in peacetime these absences can feel overwhelming.  During one Christmas spent overseas, our command decided to host children from a local orphanage for a party, replete with food, games, carols,  Santa, and gifts for the kids.  At the appointed time, the bus carrying the children arrived at the command post.  As each child stepped off the bus, he/she was greeted by an individual Marine, who then served as their personal host and guide for the festivities.  Several laughter and smile filled hours later, it was time for the orphans to depart.  Each Marine said goodbye, many offering hugs to their new friends.  As the Marines turned away, the overwhelming majority had tears in their eyes.  Some later mentioned the event reminded them of their younger brothers and sisters, with some mentioning their own children.  The spirit of Christmas surrouned us that day.

This Christmas, the commanders with our men and women in uniform will do all they can to maintain morale.  When and where possible, celebrations (religious and secular) will held, special meals provided, and other events will be held.  Perhaps some of these men and women may be able to enjoy a telephone call or video chat with the family back home.  But at the end of the day, they will still be far from home.  At their homes, a certain emptiness will exist, coupled with fear and apprehension, and balanced with prayers for the safe return of their warrior.

Across the globe, some of our nation's best will spend this Christmas away from their families.  As you sit down to enjoy the day, please take a few moments to offer a prayer of thanks to these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, as well as their families.

Merry Christmas
    

Let me just get this straight - UPDATED 12/20/13

I just want to make sure I get this straight.  The US Senate rejected an amendment to the recent budget deal that would have replaced the cut in military retiree pay with a measure eliminating billions given illegal immigrants in IRS credits.

(By the way, for you numbers folks, less than 1% of our nation serves in the military and only 17% of those entering the military eventually receive pensions.  So what is 17% of 1%?)


My "back of the envelope" calculations indicates that would cost an E-7 (enlisted serviceman) retiree over $59,000 over a 20 year period.  In case you're interested, his pension after 20 years would begin at a whopping $25,430 per year.

To ensure I fully understand, break faith with our men and women in uniform in favor of illegal immigrants. Reduce COLA for military retirees, while paying illegal immigrants.  Yep, that about sums it up.


Truly unbelievable.

Absolutely shameful.

Assuming the Senate votes today to pass the budget "deal," only POTUS can correct the above by vetoing the bill.  Please pardon me if I don't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

==============================================

Today's Washington Post Editorial claims it is much ado about nothing regarding the budget deal's reduction of military pensions.

Short and sweet: the editorial is an affront to those who have earned a military pension (decades of service or disability).  The reasons are too numerous to list.  But let me just state that the country receives a tremendous value for its investment in the pay and benefits for those who serve in uniform.  Having spent years away from my family; having not held my eldest until he was 8 months old, because I was deployed overseas (eventually serving overseas for 10 years); having served in a profession where death is the business; having been paid far, far less than those in the private sector with comparable responsibilities; having endured physical hardships most can't even imagine; and having done the above voluntarily, it is an insult to read the WP's editorial.

I wonder why...part 2

With a cup of coffee at hand, I continue to wonder.

I wonder why...

• the smile of a friend is priceless
• folks seem surprised when I hold the door for them
• the just named Heisman Trophy recipient seems so verbally inarticulate
• the recent budget "deal" reduces the COLA for retired military personnel under the age of 62
• members of the media were so fixated on the POTUS "selfie" at the Mandela memorial service
• anger and vitriolic comments come so easy to so many
• the love of my bride is so wondrous and consuming
• some believe vulgarity and profanity pass for intelligent and articulate speech  
• the on-line version of our local newspaper highlights sports more than any other topic
• snow angels are so captivating
• some people don't give a second thought to throwing trash from their vehicles
• a cold beer goes so well with hot pizza
• this flash mob performance of the Hallelujah Chorus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohagajJvzhU) is so emotive
• a spectacular sunset never ceases to amaze 
• a teacher's union is demanding severance pay for a former teacher convicted of multiple rapes of a young student
• country music lyrics treat women far better than hip hop/rap lyrics
• the 16 year old son of affluent parents only received a sentence of 10 years probation for killing four and critically injuring two while driving drunk 
• the Counselor to the President, Attorney General, and National Security Advisor had to attend, at government expense, the memorial for President Mandela
• being a grandparent is so fantastic
• basically good folks seem so hellbent at taking offense
• consumers demand five star service at economy prices
• a professional tennis player wasn't jailed after threatening an official with bodily harm
• the former mayor of San Diego isn't required to register as a sex offender
• a six year old boy, after kissing a classmate on the cheek, was initially charged with sexual harassment by the school principal
• some politicians believe it is preferable to subsidize unemployment, rather than create a positive economy in which employment opportunities are increased  
• children naturally smile and adults seem to naturally frown
• folks want to turn airplanes into one big communal telephone booth
• good (let alone superior) customer service is so rare that when encountered, it seems to be a shock
• the majority of bikers are far more patriotic than average citizens
• federal legislators yield to large donors, rather than doing what is best for America
• the American electorate has wittingly or unwittingly created a permanent political class, by re-electing officials time and time again
• a long, hard bicycle ride is concurrently fatiguing and invigorating
• ethnic studies and similar university majors are viewed as worthwhile in preparing an individual for employment
• advertisers think the average American is totally gullible and dumber than dirt
• the importance of the basic family unit (husband, wife, children) isn't promoted in popular art, music, film, books, and writings
• the irrefutably successful models in many charter schools aren't adapted en masse by school districts across the country
• mandatory national service isn't enacted
• the nation accepts the unbelievably high school drop out rates for the inner cities
• parents aren't held accountable for the actions of their minor aged children
• people who clamor the loudest about tolerance are the most intolerant
• retailers begin promoting Christmas in October
• a child's smile is so captivating
• immigration protestors waive the Mexican flag
• Chris Matthews believes that the POTUS is the greatest in history
• some progressives still seek to blame President Bush for what currently ails the nation
• POTUS prefers rhetoric over governance and management

May you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Seeking the source of and enjoying the smiles

At this time of year, with all the turmoil and uncertainties, it is a battle to remain optimistic and upbeat.  As I've written recently, doubts, concerns, and frustrations seem ever present.  But so are some observations about the happiness available to us on a daily basis.  All we need do is seek out the sources of and enjoy the smiles.

• For this gray beard, the primary source is family.  My bride of more than 40 years, our son, and our daughter, plus her husband and our three wonderful grandchildren.  And Mom, brother, and sister.
• My two closest friends: one of more than 50 years and the other of nearly 30 years.
• Traditional Christmas music.
• Being able to remain physically active cycling, lifting weights, and playing tennis.
• The occasional fishing excursion.
• Christmas lights.
• The beautiful sunsets off our patio.
• A good cup of coffee on a cool December morning.
• Sharing humor with my Marine buddies.
• Volunteering to help Marines, sailors, and their families.
• Christmas cards.
• Watching small children smile at everything.
• Hearing the laughter of children while cycling by the local elementary school.
• Being on the open road on the bicycle or motorcycle.
• Receiving a smile in return when offering a smile to a stranger.
• Saying Thank You when it is appropriate.
• Wrapping Christmas gifts for family and friends.
• Playing music.
• Chatting with friends.
• Seeing my wife's first smile of the day.
• Anticipating the visit of our grandchildren.
• Looking for and seeing the small kindnesses strangers offer one another.

These are but a few sources of the smiles to be enjoyed.  Just a few minutes thinking over a cup of coffee enabled me to develop this list.  Each of us can find these sources and enjoy the resulting smiles.

I wonder why...

Winter storm heading this way, so with coffee cup in hand, I've been in the home office just wondering.  Wondering about a lot.

I wonder why...

• purported adults can't sit down in a room and come to a negotiated agreement about healthcare for the nation, or the budget for that matter 
• folks seem to believe that you can get something for nothing 
• some elected officials believe it is my responsibility to provide for those who do not work 
• some women have multiple children by multiple fathers, outside the bounds of marriage 
• POTUS can't speak about Republicans without disparagement 
• Republicans can't speak about big government without demonizing Democrats 
• university professors don't allow conservative speech in the classroom or on the campus 
• we pay professional athletes more than our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines 
• we pay farmers not to raise certain crops 
• young children see so clearly what adults obscure and deny
• elected officials commit felonies 
• civility and dignity have disappeared
• law enforcement officials choose deliberately not to enforce the laws they are sworn to uphold 
• it is considered poor taste and offensive to wish someone a Merry Christmas 
• African Americans repeatedly and brazenly use the word "nigger," without being roundly criticized 
• the federal government provides taxpayer funded support to commercial concerns, such as GM and Solyndra 
• profanity and sleaze pass for art
• our best citizens do not run for public office
• unwed pregnancy and marital infidelity have become acceptable
• the California Legislature can rapidly pass a bill ensuring transgender student access to "gender neutral" restrooms on public school campuses, but can't resolve the state's fiscal problems 
• unions can, under state law, automatically force individuals to pay dues and use the funds for political purposes, without the individual's approval 
• and how Nancy Pelosi became one of the wealthiest people in California during her time in the House of Representatives 
• folks fawn over Hillary Clinton, after she lied about landing under sniper fire during a visit to Bosnia 
• POTUS can make time for a "beer summit," but can't meet with the Prime Minister of Israel
• the nuclear American family is disappearing
• Anthony Weiner could even consider running for Mayor of New York 
• Randy "Duke' Cunningham violated the essence of integrity demanded of a military officer 
• David Petraeus violated his marriage vows 
• a bank manager took down American flags placed on public property to recognize the funeral of a fallen soldier, stating the flags would offend some people 
• entertainers worth millions claim those disagreeing with POTUS must be racist 
• middle America doesn't vote in larger numbers 
• universities and colleges pay athletes to attend the schools and bring in untold contributions, under the guise of scholarships
• success is denigrated by progressives
• music from the 60s sounds so much more positive than popular music today
• Harry Reid arrogantly prevaricates with impunity
• some Navy officers, particularly some commanding officers, act in such dumb and illegal ways 
• government officials aren't held to the same level of accountability as average citizens 
• a California school district paid a sexual pervert to leave teaching, rather than firing the individual 
• elected officials agree to spend more than revenues can support 
• Christian praying is considered offensive in many quarters, while praying to Allah is not 
• Congress exempts its members and staff from the laws they impose on the rest of us 
• VPOTUS speaks disrespectfully to the parents of one of the SEALs killed in Benghazi 
• POTUS calls members of the military at Thanksgiving, rather than going to a military base and serving the Thanksgiving meal to men and women in uniform 
• Democrats uniformly rejected calls to delay portions of Obamacare in September, then embrace and celebrate the White House announced delays in November 
• nicer people are found at motorcycle dealerships than at wine bars 
• FLOTUS used military aides for a "potted plant" background during her appearance on the Academy Awards 
• Republicans don't publicly announce a comprehensive replacement for Obamacare, detailing a new and better plan 
• the LGBT community demands everyone accept and embrace their values and decisions 
• IRS retiree Lois Lerner isn't in jail 
• Hillary remains married to Bill after the public debacle of his sexual liaisons 
• people demonstrate against the loss of life in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but not against the loss of life on our highways due to drunk driving
• the Joint Chiefs of Staff didn't resign en masse, rather than support the plans to invade Iraq 
• South Carolina voters elected Mark Sanford to Congress, after he blatantly violated his marriage vows 
• legislators with zero military experience presume to know "what's best" for those in uniform 
• politicians from both sides of the aisle lie knowingly, deliberately, and often 
• far too many expect the government to give them free things, healthcare, cell phones, transportation, food, etc., while bikers have worked to earn what they have 
• there appears to no longer be honor and integrity in the Congress 
• ethics and integrity appear to be in direct conflict and opposition with politics 
• so much of the electorate appears to be so ignorant of the ramifications of major issues 
• POTUS comments about Trayvon Martin, but not about the "knockout game" 
• Christian values are vilified 
• the DoD floats budget ideas that are harmful to the enlisted personnel (close CONUS commissaries and reduce pay) 
• the so-called "mainstream media" displays bias in its reporting 
• a Vietnam vet threw the medals he was awarded into the Potomac River in protest, then had the audacity to attempt to use the actions for the which the medals were awarded as endorsement for his run for President
• a Teacher of the Year was let go during budget reductions, simply because he wasn't senior enough by union rules
• the Democrat party doesn't embrace President Kennedy's "...ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country..."
• black activists don't embrace with their actions Marin Luther King's words, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character"
• progressives consider hard work to be offensive
• the country doesn't have mandatory military service 
• individuals convicted of killing others while driving drunk receive lighter prison sentences than do those convicted of property theft
• Congress is so damned partisan and dysfunctional
• it took the nation so long to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Vietnam veterans
• a hot cup of coffee tastes so dang good on a cool December morning

It's really pretty simple

Our Campaigner-in-Chief is on the road proclaiming "income inequality" is his main concern, his main objective as POTUS.

The solution is really pretty simple.  Enable people to generate more income, not from redistribution of assets from some to others, but from their own work.

Income is produced by work.  Working people make more, improving their lifestyles.  By the way, working people pay more in taxes under a fair system of taxation.  Working people also have a strong sense of self-value and achievement.

Working people lead to more stable families.

Working people are more engaged citizens.

Private enterprise hires more people than the governments.

So, it's pretty simply.  Dispose of economy strangling progressive regulations.  Reduce business taxes.  Limit the union choke hold by right-to-work legislation.

Make the environment for economic growth real and tangible, not just for those POTUS has seen fit to provide taxpayer loans, but for all.  Let the good businesses succeed.  Work with the states on tort reform.

It really is simple.  Get people off welfare and public assistance, and on to the rolls of the employed.

Freedom on the open road

I recently watched a video published as part of an Esurance promotion aimed at motorcyclists: "Why I Ride."

Agreeing with the gent in the video that motorcycling is inherently dangerous, I also agree that life would be rather mundane and uninteresting without accepting some risk.  Of course, risk acceptance and tolerance varies for each of us.  (Nothing profound is that statement.)

For those willing to accept and manage the risks associated with motorcycling, I contend the rewards are spectacular.  There is nothing that compares to rolling along the open road, as shown in the below picture.  

Away from the congestion and ensuing frustration of urban areas, the open roads of our great nation provide the near perfect environment for experiencing the modern day incarnation of the freedom experienced by the cowboy of years past.  This was particularly the experience while riding through parts of Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

Rolling along, without the distraction of a stereo or telephone, you are with yourself even if riding with others.  Immersed in the beauty of our country, it is as if you are one with the world, just as were the cowboys of yesteryear.  Hence the conventional use of the words "iron horse" to describe a larger cruising motorcycle like a Harley-Davidson or Indian.

So transcending is the experience that it creates bonds between perfect strangers.  In the middle of nowhere, as the saying goes, I have encountered a fellow rider and exchanged greetings, tales, and best wishes for safe travels.  So mystical is the lifestyle that perfect strangers who are not riders have also engaged in spontaneous dialogue, obviously envious of the biker's freedom.  Does the envy manifest from the desire to ride?  The mechanical beauty of the motorcycle?  The visible freedom of the road?  The desire to escape the stresses of the every day?  All of the above?  Or completely new reasons?

It matters not, because the envy or desire are there, particularly in the male adult.  Some call it a middle age crisis?  OK, so what if it is?  One thing I can offer.  The bikers I've encountered have worked hard to provide the funds necessary to purchase a bike.  None are in the segment of the population that seeks and receives the most from the government.  Many are veterans.  But indisputably, they have all worked to earn what they enjoy.  No free rides, if you can pardon the pun.

So maybe, just maybe, one of the elements of riding that I enjoy is that it proclaims loud and clear that I have worked to be where and what I am.  That I have achieved.  No handouts, just hard labor.

At the end of the day, regardless of the motivation, I just like to ride.  And I enjoy the statement I'm making when riding.

Political division

The oft cited division between political parties in Congress; is it reflective of a deeply held, similar division across the nation, as some say is illustrated by the past four presidential elections?  Perhaps.  I can't hep but be somewhat skeptical of this interpretation, due to the history of unhealthy low voter turnout.  Consequently, certain key pockets of voters are targeted to the exclusion of others and with great impact on the national election.  For example, urban areas on the coasts and the in midwest in the "blue" states.

 

As these population concentrations react to the targeting, the old axiom of voter turnout comes into play, gaining in impact.  "The Center for the Study of the American Electorate, put 2012 voter turnout at 57.5% of all eligible voters, compared to 62.3% who voted in 2008 and 60.4% who cast ballots in 2004. In 2000, the turnout rate was 54.2%."  This means more than 90 million eligible voters did not exercise their right to cast a ballot.  Of course, the cause(s) for this lack of voter participation is/are less known.  I suspect the limited choice of decent candidates speaks volumes on this topic.



When looking at voter participation in the above chart, of the 25 states with the lowest turnout, 16 are "red" states.  If the voter turnout in these states was 25% higher, would Romney now be President?  Is the country truly split 50-50 as some offer?  Or is it more conservative?  The point towards which I'm driving is that presenting recent Presidential election results as revealing a sharp and narrow divide in the nation may not be the case.  At the least, the narrowness of the divide can be challenged.  Once challenged, I go back to voter turnout (Senate results) and gerrymandering (House results). 

While accepting there are two dominant views of the way forward, the actions within Congress and the relationship between POTUS and Congress speak more to political power for the sake of power than to honestly held political conviction.  Only two things matter - get elected and remain in office.  Both require enormous amounts of money and extensive political machinery.  In order to access the funding and be supported by the machinery, the elected aspirant/incumbent is beholding to those senior members of the respective political party and their supporters.  The enormity of the funding and political machinery depend on polarization to excite and mobilize the respective political bases (which are fed constant crap by supportive media), from which the targeted voters are sourced.  As we watch, each side demonizes the other.  Surrogates attack relentlessly, often with neither dignity nor civility, let alone reasonable arguments.  Enter the corrupt purveyors of wealth and media mouthpieces, on both sides, to stoke the fires.  Center point to obtaining and maintaining political power – voter turnout.  Then, once in office, decisions are most often made to benefit the corrupt purveyors of wealth, so the coffers for the next election remain full, but not for deeply held convictions.

Were it otherwise, the constitutionally designed system of "conference" would be more prevalent.  It doesn't excite the bases to report that one side is compromising with the other.  It doesn't excite the bases to report that the national needs are being put ahead of local desires.  It doesn't excite the bases to report that reason is trumping emotion.  The bases must be maintained in a continuous state of agitation, so their next votes can be assured.  (That's why the continuous talk of 2016.)  Get the turnout from those where it is needed most, relying not on folks voting for something/someone, but their emotional reaction of voting against something/someone.  And it most assuredly doesn't excite the purveyors of wealth to seek reasonable compromise.

Points:

• Voter turnout from key areas trumps and highlights nationwide divides.
• The division is not as narrow as some would hold, with it being likely more voters lean to the "red" column.
• Election and re-election, not serving the nation, dominates the permanent political class.
• Accessing the funding and political machinery are absolutes for the aspirant and incumbent.
• Access to the funding and political machinery is controlled by permanent political elite in each party.
• Funding and political machinery depend on polarization.
• Polarization requires accentuating differences, leading to convincing key blocks of voters to turnout.    
• Continuously agitating the political base in pursuit of polarization is essential for retaining support.
• Obstruction in Congress agitates the political bases.
• Agitating the political base enables targeting certain voters.
• Targeted voters in positive turnouts enable one party or the other to obtain/retain power, enabling them to support their respective financial benefactors.
• The corrupt purveyors of wealth and media mouthpieces benefit from the polarization.
• The cycle continues.

Thus, I hold that it more a matter of political survival for the sake of power, than it is for deeply held convictions, that leads to the lack of cooperation observed in the 113th Congress.  Yes, of course, there are certainly difference in views on large vs. small government at play.  Yet, perhaps in a naive sense, if it were only differing views and not the pursuit of political power that motivated the process, then Congress would come together to find the best way to solve the health care problem, as well as the other myriad issues facing our nation.  The critical issues would be acknowledged, two (or more) suggested solutions would bubble up from the committees and a conference would find a compromise solution.  Today, however, compromise within Congress or between POTUS and Congress do not appear possible, as power-for-power's-sake rules.  Leadership: missing in action.  Negotiation: missing in action.  Serving the nation: missing in action.  Work ethic: missing in action.  Solutions: missing in action.  Perpetual campaigning: alive and well.  Pursuing key voters via negativity: endless.
Personal view, each nomination and piece of legislation should have an up or down vote.  No more Omnibus spending bills.  No political and procedural maneuvering, such as done for the ACA.  Bring each and every nominee, full piece of legislation, spending bill, etc. to the floor for an up or down vote.  While I'm at it, Congress should work 5 days per week, as Lott and Daschle recently opined.

Any way, no clear way forward presents itself to me.  I see no unifying leader, either present or on the horizon, from either party who can draw the nation and its permanent political class together to deal with the issues in constructive fashion.