It's a very odd time in Washington, D.C., right now with the Democratic elected officials skewing too far left of most Democratic voters; and the Republican elected official leaning too far right for most GOP voters. Independent voters, meanwhile, are completely disenfranchised from both parties' elected leaders. There's a huge gulf, and it's almost like nobody is speaking the same language anymore! While there's paralysis on the federal level, the states have become the new center of action. Just look at healthcare, the airline industry or the credit reporting arena and you'll see states taking action, not the feds.

The latest example is toy safety. The feds haven't been able to get their act together on this simple issue. So the states have stepped in again. Toy makers are going berserk over a bill in Washington state that would set strict standards for lead and cadmium in toys. There are similar initiatives being considered in about a dozen other states. And, picture this: Toy manufacturers and retailers are even considering a boycott of Washington state to get the state to back down. Who wants to be grinch who stole Christmas in Washington state?!

The big picture here is that our federal government should not be paralyzed because the parties can't get along. We've got a country to run here. McCain and Obama both have spoken about opening dialogue among all elected officials. After all, Newt Gingrich talks to Hillary Clinton! Crazier things could happen!