Letter: The approach of the fiscal cliff is causing difficulties for members of both parties

Published: Sunday, Dec. 2 2012 12:00 a.m. MST

President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 in Washington.

Carolyn Kaster, AP

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Summary

The approach of the fiscal cliff is causing difficulties for members of both parties. First, they have put off starting to solve the problem until it is now a crisis.

Second, the public is demanding that there be compromises in order to solve the problem sooner rather than later.

Third, there are no easy answers that won't cause pain to their constituents.

Finally, they can't figure out how to spin any particular result into something that will help them get re-elected. Republicans fear raising taxes. Democrats fear cutting spending.

So far the Utah delegation has only offered putting off the issue once again. The only cover that anyone can gain is by making a deal in which everyone suffers equally — cuts or taxes, everyone must be part of the solution.

The longer we wait, the more angry the electorate will become. The time for action is now.

Lew Baker

Salt Lake City

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10CC

Bountiful, UT

This will go down to the wire, but according to sources familiar with the private negoatiations, a framework is emerging, that does involve compromise on both main issues.

If they agree too soon, each side will be accused by their More..

7:48 a.m. Dec. 2, 2012
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The Real Maverick

Orem, UT

Polls show that if a compromise isn't met the majority of Americans will blame repubs for the fiscal cliff. It's clear that the GOP is under far more pressure to compromise than the President. Which is justified, repubs have forced More..

9:32 a.m. Dec. 2, 2012
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Eric Samuelsen

Provo, UT

I agree with 10CC. This will probably go down to the wire, but eventually a deal will get made.

9:41 a.m. Dec. 2, 2012
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