When two sides are at an impasse, it is as I recall good practice to find some underlying common ground. In the case of healthcare, couldn’t that common ground be what’s good for individual citizens? Couldn’t that criterion if taken seriously usher cutting through the political, philosophical and ideological posturing that has created the impasse? It wouldn’t be easy. It would mean that each side would need to connect to a new mind-set, something difficult in Washington, where winning is often more important than true principle or real common values. It seems the current mind-set leans toward leaving people out, or at least seeing them in utilitarian terms—their votes. Either way, that does not serve the needs of democracy. Whether it is the good of the people or some other underlying criterion, let’s hope one is found lest harm sets in.