Democrats, Republicans work toward “fiscal cliff” deal
Behind the smoke and mirrors of the “conflict” between the Democrats and Republicans over the fiscal cliff is a common agreement that the working class must pay for the capitalist crisis through a drastic reduction in social programs and living standards. - The “fiscal cliff” is an arbitrary deadline that includes the expiration of Bush-era income tax cuts, federal extended unemployment benefits, and payroll tax cuts that affect the majority of workers. It also includes automatic spending cuts to domestic spending and the military. The Obama administration and the Republicans have sought to create a crisis atmosphere around the “cliff” to facilitate passage of highly unpopular measures. These efforts will continue in the new year if no comprehensive agreement is reached by December 31.
Ellen Brown: Fiscal Cliff: Time to Call Their Bluff
Stephen Lendman: Obama-Boehner Two-Step
Stephen Lendman: Fiscal Cliff Doublespeak Duplicity
James Petras: The Great Social Security Robbery
Patrick Martin: ...Democrats, Republicans prepare major cuts in workers’ wages, benefits
Paul Craig Roberts: The Fiscal Cliff Is A Diversion: The Derivatives Tsunami and the Dollar Bubble