Compromise vs. Obstinacy

Isn't compromise more powerful than obstinacy? Isn't showing that you're willing to engage in give-and-take, to sacrifice a little of your position for clear overall progress and gain, a sign of wisdom? Isn't cooperation a sign of strength?

(As an aside: wouldn't it make sense to completely dock the pay of California's legislators and Governor each day that the budget is late? Dock, as in they forfeit for good.)

If we'd had today's politicians "leading" the country in the latter part of the 18th century, the country would never have gotten off the ground.