The system is broken. Settling for a realistic solution in the broken system is the first step to the wasteland. It is acceptance of the status quo.
Settling for a realistic solution on immigration is a continuation of the completely ineffectice and inept status quo.
Settling for a realistic pension solution is the status quo.
Settling for a realistic budget solution is the status quo.
What is the status quo? Crying about the draconian cuts when in reality the total proposed budget is larger than last year and a mere $4 billion out of $145 Billion smaller than the largest budget ever back in 2006.
How’d we get here? Dumb stuff like the cigarette tax where the money is marked.