Yup. US system of passing laws through congress is now broken to such an extent that the only things that can pass unmolested are esoteric bills that (usually) shift money from the taxpayer to big corporate lobbying group in such a way that the common person can't (or isn't bothered enough) to understand. That's one of the reasons most of a President's power is expressed through executive orders directives to federal agencies selectively enforce or ignore laws passed by congress. That is also why passage of Obamacare will forever be remembered as a huge legislative accomplishment the likes of which will probably not be replicated again in our lifetimes.

It reminds me of this story: "Connecticut bishops fight sex abuse bill" [1]

[1] http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/04/11/connecticut.abuse.bi...

I wouldn't stress too hard. US politics has always been like this. Slavery and then later civil rights are the two biggest examples. As long as there are those who keep up the Good Fight change does happen.

Sure, as long as you don't mind waiting a century or two. Meanwhile, in other nations they fix things far faster.