Below the fold of this open thread: A little bit of funny on political hostages and bipartisanship:

I know it's difficult to negotiate with contract extortionists and kneecap breakers, but President Obama has set bad precedent too many times. 

It is completely unconscionable how far the Republican leadership has strayed from anything resembling responsible governance. While they thrive on their claim of patriotism, their petulant obstructionism during one of the most serious financial crises in American history betrays a total disregard for this nation, and an absolute disdain for the American people. Their childish behavior is nothing short of political malfeasance.