Why Democrats will not block the Republicans in Congress, the way they did

[question everything]

Well, yes, we do not have the majority.

But it really is a matter of philosophy. We, Democrats, believe in the good that government can do. So we are not going to shut it down, or block initiatives just for the sake of blocking.

Republicans, who want to starve government for funding and shrink it so that it can be "flushed down the tab" (whatever happened to Norquist, by the way?) gladly shut the government down and bring it to a screeching halt by blocking any actions coming from a Democratic White House or from Democratic lawmakers.

What I often wonder: there are many Republicans in Congress, and in State Houses, who are career politicians. (Not that this is necessarily bad, a different topic). Thus, what would they do? How would they make a living, not to mention all the perks, if government really shrunk and there would be no room for them?

Yes, I know, reasoning is not part of the Republican thought process.

[geek tragedy]

1. we'll filibuster most of what we can filibuster.

And make the place look as bad as possible in the process.

Our options are limited.

[Blanks]

2. Democrats should be motivated to do...

What best serves the American people.

It is not the best thing for Americans if they retaliate. If an action results in hurting republicans, but also hurts their constituents, that action should be avoided.

They need to oppose Trump's cabinet appointments, and any other conservative agenda that potentially harms their constituents, but not be oppositional just to get even.