My last statement, and then I'm through here (at least, that's what I'm telling myself). You can take one side, Republican or Democrat, but let's face it, Tavores is right. With this Congress, you can't pin the blame on only one party. The Democrat-controlled senate has been as stubborn as a mule, and even as a Democrat, I'm not thrilled with Harry Reid. The Republican House, however, has also been just as stubborn, if not more, by rejecting several bills Obama has put forth. In addition, the Republicans have friction within their own party, especially between Boehner, one of the more moderate Republicans out there, and the far-right members of the party. Both houses of Congress are a total mess.
My point is that no matter which way you look at it, both parties are at fault. I consider myself a Democrat, but I'd be fooling myself if I thought the Republicans were entirely to blame for the political fiasco this year.