Third, we must return respect to our political arena. Our federal government must be able to level the playing field, provide a strong social safety net, and strive for social justice and economic opportunity for all. We will never achieve those goals if the current hyper-partisanship continues in Washington. The president is a huge part of the problem, and so are the leaders of both parties. We must respectfully listen to our opponents with open minds and the desire to find common ground. Political compromise is never easy, but it is absolutely essential if we are going to make Congress work for us again.