Journalists thrive on conflict.

 

So it is with a certain degree of self-sacrifice that I offer a holiday proposition: District leaders who have been gnawing at one another for the past year should meet and work out their differences. It would be bad for the news business, especially for this columnist; but it would be beneficial for the city and its residents – especially now that Washington, D.C., long thought to be immune to recession, is beginning to show signs of diminishing cash flows and tax revenues.

Here are four pairs of pols who need to lay down arms, call a truce, rise above their petty jealousies and start working together.