The country has been compromising our ideals since its inception. At the writing of our constitution, in 1820, and in 1850, southern senators demanded and got huge concessions. Their 'or else' threat -- to secede.
In an effort to demonstrate his bi-partisan inclinations, President Obama compromised away a real public option with our recent Health Care legislation. He conceded several points before the budget debate began. Just as President Lincoln had to cope with a unified opposition and sought compromise, President Obama has coped with the unified and well-disciplined current GOP by trying to get agreement.
I think we've reached the point where a Horace Greeley quote, taken from , James McPherson's "The Battle Cry Of Freedom" applies:
"Even after South Carolina went out, Greely wrote to Lincoln that “I fear nothing…but another disgraceful backdown of the free States. …Another nasty compromise, whereby everything is conceded and nothing secured, will so thoroughly disgrace and humiliate us that we can never again raise our heads.”
the book online
I know President Obama Has forgotten more of politics than I'll ever know and I do support him. I will make calls, and do what volunteer work I can, encourage friends, co-workers and neighbors to support him as well and generally be 'on the team'. But I would like to see strength. No more compromise!