I'm not claiming both sides caused the problem. I'm saying both sides need to address the problem in a way that reflects more then just one sides wishes. Your recent example was something I was unaware of, and continues to irritate me since it is clear the GOP only wants it their way, even when they only hold power in one of two houses of congress, and lack the executive branch. It shows the Democrats are at least trying to find some sort of middle ground (or in this case, well past middle ground and much closer to GOP land), but the GOP doesn't want to budge at all. Hence my initial point about wanting defense spending on the table if the GOP wants Medicare on the table.