Thank you Grant. Regardless any lack of comparisons, I have thought a lot for several years about the US impasse. I/we could argue that the Union government should never have invited the Confederacy into the Union (Spring 1865). There could have been negotiations allowing free movement of slaves and anyone who preferred to live in the North or the South. A free-trade agreement could have been negotiated. The South could have retained some pride. Granted some very positive changes have been made over these past 50 years, but there are grievances that have been passed down to the younger generations. Here's what is more of a possibility: the US needs more that 2 parties, NOW! I can imagine 4, but let's just hope for 3. Today, there are no alternatives for many voters that are disappointed in both the Demo & GOP.