When the great racehorse Barbaro shattered a leg, his career ended. Democracy also runs on four legs: the two chambers of Congress, the presidency and the Supreme Court. If one collapses, the whole system crashes, and that’s exactly what’s happening now in the House of Representatives.

With 435 members, who represent small districts and face the voters every two years, the House is specifically designed to reflect the popular will. But the “Peoples’ House” has become an American version of the House of Lords — insulated, arrogant, out of touch — and that’s a tragedy for democracy. Barbaro can’t run on three legs — neither can the government.