The Obama sadist and the Republican masochists

House Republicans went to Obama and offered him everything he wants for a six-week period.  That offer allows Congress to continue a debate about government spending, while ending a shutdown that, while illusory (83% of the government is working and federal workers will get all their back pay) is nevertheless inconvenient, especially for Americans who want to visit their national parks.  It’s actually a win for Democrats too, because it gives them an excuse to back off the disaster that is the Obamacare rollout.  Obama, however, said “No.”

And I suddenly realized what all of this reminded me of.  It’s the real life version of the sadist and the masochist joke:

The masochist and the sadist are in a room together.  The masochist is on his knees before the sadist, begging.

“Please, Mr. Sadist, please beat me!  I want to be beaten.  Oh, and yes, when you’re done beating me, get out the whip.  I love the whip.  Please whip me.  Or maybe you’d like to walk on my prone body with spike heels.  Yes, yes!  That’s what I want.”

The sadist stares contemplatively at the groveling, begging masochist, and gives his answer:

“No!”

Welcome to Obama’s America.