The growing inability of the U.S. Congress to act on any issue correlates with an increase in the number of women elected to the Senate and House of Representatives. As we know, correlation does not equal causation. During a discussion of this observation, I implored my female students not to “shoot the messenger.” But was there something we could learn from this statistical anomaly? In hindsight, the answer seems obvious to me. In the old days, compromise and action were based on relationships between members of Congress and the executive branch. Those connections were nurtured outside regular working hours in informal settings. The most celebrated of these relationships is documented in Chris Matthews’ book Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked. Agreements to pursue common interests or compromise where often consummated while smoking a cigar and sipping single malt scotch.

As I pondered this situation, I began to look for pictures of President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner smiling. Not only weren’t they smiling; they were seldom seen together. The only pictures of the three were taken during working sessions such as the one above. Which meant that media or colleagues or both were present requiring each to play to their respective audiences. No wonder there are so few compromises. There is no environment is which they can aired.

Those who argue that the “good old boys club” is no longer acceptable are right. But the concept is correct. Camaraderie among rivals is still valuable. Therefore, the challenge is creating a “good old persons club” based on activities through which men and women can enjoy one another’s company and informally discuss the issues of the day.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP