Many national polls show that most Americans just want our elected officials to get in a room and work something out! I certainly agree with that sentiment. That is why I love mediation.
As you interact with your elected officials, make them understand that you expect solutions — not notches on their belt for petty style points, not ego filled posturing, not long awaited revenge and not self-promotion. Solutions move us forward.
Treating our collective problems like a sporting event is crazy. There are no winners and losers. There is only us.