With the gulf between political parties, Thiebert said it is more important than ever for educational presentations like those provided by the Concord Coalition. He believes we will have to lead from below and the public is going to have to start demanding the budget be dealt with. He said political leaders and the political machines are entrenched and the system looks ahead only in two-year increments.  “Until the public demands it,” he said, “we’re not going to get there.”