Poll: Fiscal Cliff, jump or not?

With only a relatively short time frame for the lame duck Congress to avert the upcoming "cliff", what is the best solution? It would be nice if everyone could set aside their partisanship and select options that would be best for the American public as a whole, not just yourself or your party.

Background. In August 2011, in order to avert an upcoming financial meltdown and government shutdown over the debt ceiling, Congress agreed to and the President signed the Budget Control Act. Under that legislation, if Congress failed to reach a budget deal in 2012, a "sequestration" would occur, mandating cuts across the board to social services and to military spending. This was not intended as good fiscal policy, but as an encouragement for both parties to negotiate in good faith to arrive at a budget solution. Unfortunately, politics kicked in and neither side could agree on a reasonable budget compromise. While everyone may have an opinion as to who was at fault (certainly I do) that is not the purpose here. Instead, taking in the benefit of the American public, what is the best solution for the lame duck Congress.

Here is what occurs if we go over the cliff.
1) mandatory cuts across the board to both military and domestic spending except for SS, Medicaid, TANF, Food stamps; 2% cut in Medicare; 8% cut in other domestic programs. 9% cut in military spending except for military pay. Total cuts $100 billion per year.
2) expiration of tax cuts to all, meaning taxes go up effective January 1


Feel free to suggest additional options, and try to leave partisanship and self interest behind. The listed options are only some that come to mind or have been suggested. Focus on the word "compromise" and not gamesmanship. Realize that you will not be achieving the ideal solution for your partisan bias, but best for all America as well as one that would be likely to pass with those of other view points.

My guess is they'll kick the can down the road.

I havent watched any news in the last two years but isnt there an option of big defense cuts if nothing is done?

I also think they'll kick the can. But I believe we need to make across-the-board cuts in everything, close tax loopholes and probably increase taxes as well (sorry I couldn't vote for two!). Yes, it's gonna hurt. But if we don't suck it up and do something now it'll hurt a whole lot more later on.

My personal thoughts are a combination of tax increases and spending cuts. The studies have shown cuts in entitlement spending only won't get us there. Closing loopholes to the degree that will have a significant impact will probably not happen. Plus with all the special interest money, it will be a long and winding road to enact tax reform. The recent CBO studies have shown that increasing taxes on the wealthy will have the least impact on unemployment, so I go that way. I like the Simpson Bowles plan of $3 in spending cuts for every $1 in tax cuts.

So my vote will be for increasing taxes and cutting spending.

However, since most Republicans have pledged allegiance to Grover Norquist rather than the American public, there will be a battle for increasing taxes on the wealthy. So I anticipate that either Congress will kick the can and nothing will happen to budget, deficit or tax reform for the foreseeable future, or the President will take the bold step of letting us drive over the cliff, let the tax cuts expire on January 1 and then propose new tax cuts benefiting the middle and lower income classes along with significant cuts in spending. This will allow Republicans to save face with Norquist by not voting to increase taxes while enacting significant steps to reduce spending and cutting the deficit.

Its funny..I get in my car yesterday after two days of upbeat, optomistic parties and flip it to 850 KOA for the first time in years and years, and what do I hear?...Not one word about the election, nothing lol ...I heard a big news update that said ...The stock markets plummets! (300 points, ha, were still 100% better than the lows of 2009) and the S&P is "diving" (30 points ha) because of the looming fiscal meltdown!...They sounded like it was breaking news of the end of the world.. Not suprised someone here picked up on the manufactured drama, as if we should be worried...

Fear, it works everytime

Chicken littles..

Something the Dog Said wrote: However, since most Republicans have pledged allegiance to Grover Norquist rather than the American public, there will be a battle for increasing taxes on the wealthy. So I anticipate that either Congress will kick the can and nothing will happen to budget, deficit or tax reform for the foreseeable future, or the President will take the bold step of letting us drive over the cliff, let the tax cuts expire on January 1 and then propose new tax cuts benefiting the middle and lower income classes along with significant cuts in spending. This will allow Republicans to save face with Norquist by not voting to increase taxes while enacting significant steps to reduce spending and cutting the deficit.

I can't believe that Mitch McConnell is still digging in his heels and saying "no tax increases" - read that just this morning.

Can someone please explain to me when it became a mortal sin to compromise???

and try to leave partisanship and self interest behind

However, since most Republicans have pledged allegiance to Grover Norquist rather than the American public

Try to follow your own rules.

The fiscal cliff needs to happen. The American public needs to understand just what is at stake and what it will cost. I don't think it will, I think Raees is right and they will kick the can down the road. Our military is bloated as is much of the "safety net". It really needs to be slashed and this fiscal cliff is just the ticket.

That is one thing that partisans in the past were able to do, even Tip O'Neal and Reagan, McCain and Kennedy, etc. A lost art. Is it too much money in politics, extreme ideologues, instant news coverage 24/7 preventing professional relationships, ???

Walking away from the table is a negotiating tactic. They'll get some minor concession, parade it as a victory for the team, and move forward with the can kicking.