Do you think we'll go off the fiscal cliff?

**Jenna** · 12-30-12, 01:55 PM

It's looking more and more likely....

Senate negotiators labored over the weekend on a last-ditch plan to avert the “fiscal cliff,” struggling to resolve key differences over how many wealthy households should face higher income taxes in the new year and how to tax inherited estates.But by Sunday morning, negotiators had yet to resolve the two key tax issues, and even the extension of unemployment benefits was still up in the air, according to people close to the talks in both parties.

As lawmakers filtered back to the Capitol Sunday in hopes of hearing news of a deal, Republicans added changes to Social Security to their list of demands, a development that a Democratic aide close to the talks described as “a major setback.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/busine...64b_story.html

**Jenna** · 12-30-12, 03:50 PM

It sounds like they've hit an impasse....

As the Senate opened a rare Sunday session, Chaplain Barry Black offered a timely prayer for lawmakers.

‘‘Lord, show them the right thing to do and give them the courage to do it,’’ Black said. ‘‘Look with favor on our nation and save us from self-inflicted wounds.’’

Senate negotiators were haggling over what threshold of income to set as the demarcation between current tax rates and higher tax rates. They were negotiating over estate limits and tax levels, how to extend unemployment benefits, how to prevent cuts in Medicare payments to doctors and how to keep a minimum income tax payment designed for the rich from hitting about 28 million middle class taxpayers.

Hopes for blocking across-the-board spending cuts were fading and Obama’s proposal to renew the two percentage point payroll tax cut wasn’t even part of the discussion.

Senate leaders offer dour take on 'cliff' talks - Business - Boston.com

**pgg** · 12-30-12, 06:52 PM

I doubt it. The Dems have no desire to cut a cent from the budget. They propose to simply add to our debt. The only thing that may happen is the can may be kicked down the road.

**Captain America** · 12-30-12, 11:28 PM

Over the cliff and through the woods to grandma's house we go.

**Xiphos** · 12-31-12, 06:26 AM

I hope so. Accelerate the self destruction of the government.

**Odd** · 12-31-12, 07:34 AM

Another one? The America I was promised is already so obscured by clouds I can barely see it from the base of this bluff.

Sister, we went off that cliff long ago and we're just counting the bumps on the way down. As to the most recent manufactured holiday crisis?

They'll compromise yet again at the eleventh hour, declare that a victory, and call for a group hug so they grab for our wallets from both sides.

#CliffPrediction

**lewisipso** · 12-31-12, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by Xiphos

I hope so. Accelerate the self destruction of the government.

Roger this.

**Jenna** · 12-31-12, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Xiphos

I hope so. Accelerate the self destruction of the government.

**Trojan 42** · 12-31-12, 04:31 PM

Yes you are all doomed. Should have stayed British.

**pgg** · 12-31-12, 07:57 PM

I've got lots of ammo

**Jenna** · 12-31-12, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Trojan 42

Yes you are all doomed. Should have stayed British.

The Tea Party didn't like taxes under British rule either....

**Cidp24** · 01-01-13, 12:24 AM

Senate leaders aim for vote on fiscal crisis deal, as Congress misses deadline

Read more: Senate leaders aim for vote on fiscal crisis deal, as Congress misses deadline | Fox News

**Jenna** · 01-01-13, 03:42 PM

Now it's up to the House whether we crash....

House Republicans reacted with anger Tuesday afternoon to a Senate-passed plan to head off automatic tax increases and spending cuts, putting the fate of the legislation in doubt just hours after it appeared Congress was nearing a resolution of the fiscal crisis.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/us...liff.html?_r=0