THE GRAND BETRAYAL?

The article looks at the fiscal cliff (FC) faced by the U.S. at the end of 2012, an economic situation that will see automatic tax hikes and spending cuts kick in at on January 1, 2013 if U.S. legislators do not take mitigating action. Particular focus is given to the way the media has hyped the FC, leading to proposed cuts to entitlement programs that would not be entertained in other scenarios. Topics include Americans' desire for job creation, how the U.S. healthcare system increases the U.S. budget deficit, and the need for measures to build a foundation for U.S. economic growth.