They descended on Washington. Partly in the name of productive discourse, partly in the name of good television, Tavis Smiley and his panel of eight came to Lisner Auditorium January 13 for a three hour discussion about America’s Next Chapter.

Tavis Smiley, politics, DC—there’s nothing new about the mix. And, ironically, there’s nothing new about the name of Smiley’s “new” agenda. The event, brought to George Washington University courtesy of Nationwide Insurance and slated to be presented on NPR, PBS, and C-Span, bears a title that resembles that of a 2008 publication written by Peter Kaminsky and former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, “America: Our Next Chapter.”

Coincidence or not, both the book and the discussion aim to ask the tough question—or questions—about how America can “return to her greatness” –or if you agree with panelist, writer, activist, and Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West, how we can “make America greater.”

The importance of education, taking care of our poor and middle class, race, and immigration seemed to be underlying themes for the panel that included “The Huffington Post” founder Arianna Huffington, CNBC anchor Maria Bartiromo, former Bush speechwriter David Frum, “The Washington Post” columnist Dana Milbank, CBN Correspondent David Brody, Voto Latino founder/executive Maria Teresa Kumar, and chairman of the Committee of 100 John Chen in addition to West.

But, there was also another running theme. They all seemed to agree that our current system of government is broken. There was no real consensus on how, just allusions to the growing absence of civility in Congress and the need to stop labeling politicians and pundits as “left-wing” and “right-wing.” Smiley’s panel also lamented the thought of “Clinton-ian Politics,” the idea of a politician adopting the ideas of the opposing side and accepting the best deal possible instead of the best deal period.

West indicated it should be no surprise that our system of government is broken since it is based on what he labeled “a pro-slavery document,” pointing out that for the many years slavery existed in America there was no mention of it in The Constitution.

I am inclined to agree with the need for civility and the need to stop labeling. But I’m not sure if the absence of a mention of slavery in the U.S. Constitution is an endorsement or simply an unwillingness to deal with an issue that was not yet ready to be dealt with.

And, I don’t believe our system of government is broken. I believe our understanding of how our system of government works is broken.

There is a misguided notion that our thinking is homogeneous, that everyone wants the same thing or that the most vocal opinion is the majority opinion—or the right one. And, over time it seems there’s been a growing sentiment that lawmakers should never listen to the other side, never allow the other side’s interests to take hold.

But, this country was built on a foundation of compromise. The framers uniquely laid out our government to take into account the differences that were sure to arise. That’s the purpose for the “system of checks and balances.” That’s how bills are passed.

If every Senator or Representative—or the President—held out for everything they wanted, no one would ever get anything they needed. We are seeing the proof of that now.

In November 2008, we elected a lot of junior Senators and new Representatives. They had and have no bargaining chips—with each other or the long-standing members of Congress. How do you get those? You make deals. You learn to prioritize your agenda—your constituents’ agenda—and work backwards.

The more important the item the more chips it’s going to take to get it passed. You bend—or break—on the mole hills that really are of little consequence to those you represent; then, you dig your heels in and stand your ground on the mountains. The trick is knowing who you represent and being able to relate to them.

So, maybe a little dash of “Clinton-ian Politics” wouldn’t hurt.

In the wake of everything our country has been through in the last few years, it’s good that Tavis Smiley wanted to ramp up the discussion. It’s not so good that it seems to always be the same conversation.

In my opinion, America’s Next Chapter should start with the collective ceasing to blame the individuals—i.e. big banks caused the financial collapse, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, and other outspoken people caused an irrational man to do an irrational thing.

Truth is, we are all to blame for the current pages in the book of America. After all, that “pro-slavery document” West alluded to does start with “We, the People…”