The longer I remain a participant in this battle, the more I believe that there are not two sides in American politics. The same people run both. And those few, largely anonymous individuals have mastered the art of manipulating those who are best characterized by their greed, ego, cowardice, and/or lust for power. I keep fighting in my small way because what I will feel if I stop is despair. But as clear as I think I am about the real problems, I am at a loss when it comes to a solution. There will be no consolation in telling them "we told you so" after the inevitable collapse. The bills at issue this week may constitute the trigger.