I'd say Brian Tyler Cohen has a pretty reasonable take on Mike Johnson's healthcare endgame.

[pat_k]

9. It is painful.

I've been involved with a womens solo business owners group.

I'm one of just a couple of oldsters in the group. Most are in their 30's and 40's -- struggling millennials -- with a couple in their 20's. The level of cynicism and hopelessness about their own power to shape their government is profound. I found it hard to fathom at first. Generally, they are overwhelmed by student loan debt and the obscene rents here in Seattle. These are not passive women. They are out there, taking a shot at creating their own businesses. Impressive, smart women. But it feels like the belief that they have the power to change the ""rigged system" has been kicked out of them.

There are some who are engaged, but the level of cynicism that anything anyone does will actually make a difference to their lives is deeply, deeply disturbing. I've done my bit to inspire hope in people-power, but politics is not the focus of the mutual support provided in the meetings. There is a positive note though. I am feeling a hopeful shift. The horrors of our current crisis do seem to be moving some to get more engaged.