I understand the frustration of our viewers seeing the gridlock in Washington because we know it doesn’t have to be this way. The partisan politics we’ve been seeing is a relatively new trend, at least on the level it’s been happening. We know doing nothing will result in EVERYONE getting a tax hike and that’s STILL not enough of an incentive for lawmakers? These across-the-board spending cuts and tax hikes will be devastating and elected officials have to go through the departments and tax brackets individually to see where the cuts, and hikes, need to come from. Washington lawmakers need to come to a compromise for the good of their own constituents.

The so-called "fiscal cliff" deadline is four days away. If Democrats and Republicans in Washington don't reach a deal, the new year will bring tax hikes for all Americans and a series of significant cuts to defense and domestic spending.

The Senate is in session today, but the House won't reconvene until Sunday. President Obama returned this morning from a vacation in Hawaii to help broker a deal. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released today found 27% of Americans blamed Republicans for the gridlock, 16% blamed President Obama, 6% pointed the finger at Congressional Democrats, and 31% said "all of the above." What do you say?

Who or what is responsible for the gridlock in Washington? Do you fear the nation could be headed toward another recession if the "fiscal cliff" isn't averted? How would increased taxes affect your ability to make ends meet?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

I'd rather have grid lock than increased taxes. The real solution is to cut taxes and shutdown all departments that have nothing to do with securing individual rights, i.e. the police, the military and the courts. Every other department is unconstitutional.

Joe
Port Richmond

The fiscal cliff is made up. We are not Greece or Spain. This is self-imposed. I support no deal and let's go over this cliff.

Rich
Midtown East

I say all involved are equally to blame. This is our lives and country and they are playing a game of some kind with us. We have a 2nd term president and as for the majority of the other politicians have been in Washington much to long. Both parties have some self interest/agenda of one kind or another and we are paying the price for it. They do not serve the people at all. Either way we lose. Everyone in Washington is running their own little scam game and we are the losers for it.

[THEY ALL JUST PLAY THE BLAME GAME]

[Very Discouraging]

Maxxiee
Morris Park

I blame the republicans who never pay their fair share and started two wars on credit.

Jimmy
The Bronx

As a recent college student I'm very worried. I have been looking for a job for almost two years and I think it will take longer if no deal is passed. I'm very concerned if we go over the cliff and a hiring freeze occurs.

Larry

Those who want to raise taxes need to recall these quotes from Abraham Lincoln.
____________________

"You can't strengthen the weak by weakening the strong."

"You can't bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift."

_____________________

If they don't understand the aforementioned, hold on we're going over the cliff.
Self sacrifice is the true measure of our giving.

Its just common sense if I make $500.00 and you make $5000.00 you should pay higher taxes because you make more money. The republicans should get off their high horses. Everyone knows they represent these big corporations. Its redicoulous now.

Joann

I dont think a deal will be reached. This country is doomed. All of these politicians couldnt fight their way out of a paper bag. 16 trillion in dept and we still send money to support other countries. Why? When are own people are on the street. This is nothing but a game with both sides, and the American people suffer.

Robert
Staten Island

It's truly amazing to me that the President is not talking seriously about getting people off food stamps, housing subsidies and welfare. 1 in 7 people is on some sort of govt support- no wonder we can't resolve the budget issues! Food stamps should be given for a year and within that year time frame, the person receiving the handout should be REQUIRED to undergo job training so they can support themselves.What is wrong with that?? Do we really want a nation of people who just take, take,take?

Joan
Forest Hills

James Otis said, "Taxation without representation is tyranny..."

Are we represented?

We are certainly paying our fair share of taxes...where is all of it going?

Chris
Whitestone

The fiscal cliff is a manufactured issue that reflects the corrosive attitude of a moribund GOP. They still fail to accept the results of the election and they will shoot themselves in the foot if taxes go up. No one believes it's the fault of the Dems.

Kenn
Bayside

President Obama does not want a resolution, he wants higher taxes. They haven't produced or passed a budget for over three years. I don't know about everyone in NY, but if I have a monthly budget of $3,000, I can't spend $4,500 and expect not to go bankrupt in a short period of time?

Jeff
Orlando, Fla.

Off the fiscal cliff we go -- more like a game of chicken. Who blinks first? This is similarly what happened last year with the deficit -- the same old game that the Republicans have been playing . . . the only game that the Republicans know how to play. Obstruction, Obstruction and more Obstruction regardless of the American people, a possible recession or the effects on the Middle Class. Most American people want tax increases on the wealthiest of individuals. Revenue cannot just come from spending cuts. Boehner cannot pull the republican caucus together for he bends to the tea party's every whim and thus holds the American people hostage in the hopes of Obama caving in -- why not it happened before?

I say let's go off the Cliff -- enough of the Republican bullying! All massive cuts in spending is just not acceptable.

Lisa

Why is everyone blaming president obama? The republican is the root of all evil. They need to say yes and stop wasting time.

Kevin
Sheepshead Bay

Steven from Morris Park has dropped his peas on his shirt..

This is the fault of the Republican (aka Rethuglican) party...

McConnell had no intention of working with the President, and said so in 2010.

They lost the election, are steaming mad, and still won't cooperate..

Bush years: Fictitious wars, both unpaid for.., unpaid for tax cuts.

They received a reprieve in 2010.. The wars and financial collapse have been financed by the working and middle class. No more! Back to the Clinton Era tax rates for the wealthy..

Fred
Harlem

It should come as no surprise to anyone that a bunch of rich white guys don't want to raise taxes on a bunch of rich white guys!

Donna (a middle class white woman)
Washington Heights

The u.s. is ridiculous, all the time they're complaining the country in debt and then the lower & middle class people have to pay, its not fair they're struggling also while the wealthy and rich sitting back comfortable...."smh". Its simple if they stop spending money in other countries, then the u.s. Would be ok and survive. Stop spending money on unnecessary stuff!

Frankia

Who's to blame for the fiscal cliff? The two party system and the rule of money. We hold sacred the Constitution, but our present form of government cannot stand up to the arsenal of the 1% who can buy enough public opinion and enough politicians to bring the wheels of progress to a standstill.

Erik
Park Slope

I hope a solution can be found ASAP to the Fiscal Cliff problem- which was created by both! This is hurting those people who are unemployed dependent on unemployment benefits. The same people who paid their taxes and were cut off right in time for Christmas! What will the unemployed do now? And to get food stamps or Medicaid? Forget it! They need a budget which now they don't have!

Angie
Elmhurst

Republicans are responsible. The Bush tax cuts had sunset provisions. President Obama extended this by 2 years.The growth predicted by these cuts did not appear and the deficit has soared as a result of decreased tax revenue. Rather than raising taxes on all, President Obama proposed excluding households with incomes less than $250,000 and then increased this to $400,000 but Republicans said no. You can't blame Obama for this.

Andy
Upper West Side