Number one word during the tour of Independence Hall: compromise. The park ranger telling us about the drafting of the Constitution used it five times in the span of three minutes.
"Compromise and barter," was his exact phrase, describing how the delegates of the Continental Congress worked together to draft the document that has shaped America. Not everyone got what they wanted. Some conceded that the Constitution still wasn't perfect. All agreed that it would need to be changed and molded to deal with whatever issues the future held for their fledgling nation.
So how have today's politicians lost site of this? Surely they've taken a history lesson or two? Today they are so quick to jump on any little issue in a bill as a reason for voting against it. They seem to want perfect legislation to hit their desks before they'll approve anything. Compromise is a dirty word; a sign of weakness.
Congress needs a field trip to Philadelphia. Make them pass through security to enter Independence Hall. Stand in the hot sun for their tour to start. Listen as a NPS ranger gives them a refresher course in American history. They surely need a reminder.
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