What better article for a Blog dedicated to overcoming polarized politics is this report from the NY Times regarding the new heights attained in Partisan vitriol over the health care bill.

A couple of points to think about. By refusing to participate in a meaningful debate, the 38 Republicans further empowered the other 62 Senators. The hope of the Republicans is the program fails. The risk they take that if the program succeeds, then they will be seen as obstructionists who need to be removed.

Much has been written lately about amending the Senates 60 vote cloture rule.

I continue to argue this. Imagine a Senate where 20 of its members belonged to a third party and no one had a 60 vote majority. Think of how this is likely to transform the approach from an us vs. them conflict to a who's got the best ideas to move the country forward. If the majority of each of two parties' membership largely endorses a proposal, then the party opposing begins to look silly. The same applies when the majority opposes a proposal.

Do yourself a favor. You don't have to start that third party yourself. Just support the methodology that will allow third parties to be competitive. Support Instant Runoff Voting.

Here's a link to the article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/us/politics/24assess.html?th&emc=th