It sets us up for a couple more months of policy gridlock, at a minimum.

FORBES: Senate Bill Averts Fiscal Cliff--For Now--While Ignoring our Short- and Long-Term Fiscal Problems

In politics, the consequences are policy gridlock.

FORBES: Connect

Such competition, as in business, usefully disciplines the public sector, even as it can lead to policy gridlock (as noted about India in this space last issue.) And the competition is real: Around the world we see a remarkable number of closely fought elections with high stakes.

FORBES: Seesaw Balloting