What worries me the most is that congressman Forbes will once again join other representatives in votes to shove our great nation into default just as he did last year. It is concerning when we have a congressman who arrived in Washington twelve years ago to a balanced budget and during this tenure we have added 10 TRILLION dollars in debt and then the congressman votes to default on the obligations. That is the epitome of irresponsibility in my view. It is disturbing that congressman Forbes aligned with the Grover Norquist blackmail pledge and remains committed to that and yet ignores the financial commitments of the country and blatantly acts against the overwhelming public, contrary to the warnings of past and present Treasury secretaries, past and present chairmen of the Federal Reserve, Nobel prize winning economists, scholars and countless business leaders from the nation's most respected corporations. This act harmed this great nation and was so irresponsible in my opinion I WORRY about every vote congressman Forbes casts. I am concerned that he has opposed middle class tax cuts in favor of millionaires and billionaires and that he has done nothing at all to pressure the republican leadership to vote on the president's Jobs proposal that was sent to congress last September. There has been a total abandonment of commitment to the middle class from congressman Forbes. I fail to see how attempting to shut down the government three times last year moved the nation forward. I certainly do NOT want the congress screwing around with some kind of audit of the Federal Reserve either. Time after time the Fed chairman has pleaded in public testimony for the congress to act and they have failed miserably. How on earth can congressman Forbes defend his position to repeal critical Dodd Frank regulation to reign in the abuses that caused the financial collapse that congressman Forbes shares a great deal of responsibility for in policy pushed via his votes? The congressman has accomplished nothing to control spending of consequence, supporting billions in spending for wars with no viable plan to ever pay for it. And incredibly, pressing the public to end the death tax for millionaires and billionaires. That is an astonishingly disconnected idea in the face of national challenge. Enough is enough congressman Forbes. As long as you adhere to the Grover Norquist blackmail pledge you have absolutely zero credibility on economic matters. Here we are facing sequestration, a position that your party forced on the country because you sir fail to work for tax fairness for the middle class. Your arguments in support of tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires have all been widely discredited. You have NO proof that the policy you advocate makes a difference and in fact the evidence over decades proves your philosphy to be totally a fraud. You have consistently misled the public regarding regulatory burdens that the Congressional Budget Office PROVED in report were false. So my answer to your question is other...I am most concerned about the obstruction that has harmed this great nation in so many ways and your consistent role in that damage.

Another aspect of the "fiscal cliff" that concerns me is the implementation of Obamacare and the lack of will by the Republican Party to repeal it. Also, the GOP has not mentioned any plans to reduce the country's debt and increase the strength of the dollar.

I'm soooo discouraged. Why can't our elected officials in Washington come together to do what is right for our country - not just right for themselves. We are in a mess. And I don't see any signs of a workable solution to get out of it. It will take DECADES to get America out of this hole we dug for ourselves. We need to start right this minute. We need some sign from Washington that they truly do have the country's interests at heart. What a morale booster it would be if all of our elected officials in Washington took a 10% pay cut for one year. Do something selfless and see what it would do for our molale, our economy, our faith in the powers that be.

AT THIS TIME AND INCREASE OF A TAX FOR ALL WILL HELP OUR NATION PULL OUT OF IT INCREASEING DEBT, OUR DEFENSE HAS BEEN CUT SO MUCH NOW IT'S COULD BE POSSABLE THAT IF WE HAD TO DEFEND OUR ON SHORES WE WOULD FALL SHORT. THE OTHER SHORT FALL IS GOV WORKERS WAGES FROZEN WHY ARE THEY BEING PUNISHED WHILE THE EXCUTIVE BRANCH STILL HAVE THE TRAVEL AND CONFERANCE BUDGET OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT YOU WORK FOR THE PEOPLE YOU SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE YOU PROTECT THE PEOPLE ALL THE PEOPLE, SO IT'S TIME YOU TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE LET'S PUT THEM TO WORK STOP TRYING TO LOOK GOOD AND SHAKE THE CHAINS GET THEM MOVEING STEP ON AS MANY TOES AS YOU CAN AND GET THE JOB DONE.

As an independent who has most often voted for Republican candidates, I am perfectly fine with the fiscal cliff. I'm tired of politicians see no real consequences for their poor behavior. This will be a wake-up call. I expect it to bring some pain to America, but I think it will be worth it. You need to make sacrifices to bring back prosperity.

Spending cuts are needed, especially regarding entitlements. It is also not credible to suggest that any and all government functions cannot be accomplished more cost effectively. Most businesses make it a point, at least annually, to review spending priorities and find opportunities to save. Sensible families do this too. It should be standard procedure also with government spending. No mystery - just assuming responsibility. Regarding specific tax realignment, I am a flat tax advocate for all the reasons that have been voiced over the years and need not be repeated here. Half measures such as those mentioned in the insta-poll may help, but they will never overcome the unfairness, complexity, and lack of transparency that are inherent in our current tax code and are so subject to Machievelian mischief.

Like most of your questionaires, only answers biased to your position are allowed. My "other" comment is that you and others in congress wasted effort grandstanding and playing chicken with all of us and so now the "cliff" is yours -- not to be blamed anywhere but on you and all others in both parties. Get to work now -- less flashy talk for the media -- just results. Please.

What worries me the most congressman Forbes is that the entire congress, both sides, as I refuse to carry a flag for either, will not think twice before they engage in a game of “chicken” with economic well being of all US citizens. You, and all of congress, continue to put your chances of re-election well above the priority of the true job you all should be doing in Washington. Are we not employing you to run a country in a fiscally prudent manor? There is not a household in America that could run itself on the budget rules you inflict on the citizens daily. I must not be by myself in these thoughts, as I think the approval rating of your industry (professional politics) is sub 12%. Do you are anyone else in congress ever wonder why? Every industry I have worked in has a method in which to measure our customers satisfaction. We use it as a tool to adjust our performance and retain our customers. The reason we ay attention to this measurement is clear, without our customers we cease to have a reason to exist! But I forgot, you folks are living in an entirely different world than the one the folks you say you represent live in. You have none of the same rules as us and why should I ever think you would understand the work on the common person. Maybe one day you can look back in shame and see just what a disservice this present group of politicians has inflicted on this once great nation. No I am not a tea party fanatic, I am not a republican right-winger, and I am not a liberal left sided democrat. I am the guy that is looking for somebody to represent the people of our country in a way we expect when we elect them.

I'm not sure how to respond to the use of the word 'concern' in a poll. Am I concerned as in wanting to avoid something? Or am I concerned as in wanting to make sure it happens? At this point any cut is a good cut. Frankly, sequestration is a drop in the bucket. Please cut more.

The goverment is to big roll back to a simpler time and the people will take care of the things. Let the Goverment take car of things overseas. In my words down size the goverment.

My biggest concern is for our country, freedom and way of life. The things that are taking place should never be happening. Why are illegals permitted to stay, take American jobs and even worse draw welfare benefits? I have no problem giving assistance to American citizens who need it, but not if the need is a result of laziness and illegal entry to the country. Welfare was never meant to be a career. Why is the Obama Administration being permitted to ignore the Constitution of our great country? Why does there seem to be so much secrecy and corruption in our federal government? I have so many more WHYS...Perhaps you'll remove this post as inappropriate, but I find my questions VERY appropriate.

What concerns me most is that Rep. Forbes and his friends like Eric Cantor will once again do everything they can to block reasonable cuts to the defense budget as well as cry "Wolf!" when anyone mentions taxes. We WANT to continue to fund Social Security, Medicare, etc., but we DON'T want to pay representatives like you just to block reasonable, intelligent proposals in order to keep these programs going. You guys are really out of touch with the "common man". Educated yourselves about what really concerns most Americans, and I think you'll discover that we're actually much more practical than you guys. Oh, and we don't give a hoot for your partisan, childish politics, BTW.

I agree 100% with the comments of Thomas G above! I have nothing but contempt for a legislator who signs a pledge to a lobbyist and then takes an oath to serve the country. When he took the oath of office he had a mental reservation of loyalty to G Norquist that negated the solemn constitutional requirement pledging service to the the public. Mr. Forbes has been an accomplice to the destruction of the Republican Party by the right wing crazies. By stonewalling every attempt to produce positive legislation through serious compromise on policies he has done a disservice to the country. The fiscal cliff is the result of his actions and the actions of his party's Tea Party appeasers. Mr. Forbes supports Governor Romney's disgraceful position in unconditional support of the right wing Israeli politicians. I have been a supporter of Israel since President Truman recognized the Jewish state. But the idea that Mr. Adelman, the billionaire gambling czar in Chinese Macao should support Mr. Romney financially and accompany him in Isreal, while also owning right wing Israeli newspapers, supporting settlements, opposing a two-state solution and promoting military action in Iran angers me. Mr. Adelman is under investigation for bribing public officials in Macao. His Macao enterprise depends on the Chinese government for its continued existence. How can Mr. Romney align himself with this person? As President, would he terminate Department of Justice investigation? Romney's speeches call for unthinking automatic U.S. acquiescence to attacking Iran if the Israelis decide to go. That's putting the lives of American men and women in our armed services at risk even if our national interest dictates otherwise.

In plain and simple English, as a few others have said, there is MORE THAN ENOUGH TAXATION ON EVERYONE - particularly the hardest hit, the American Working Person. Congress and THE PRESIDENT have a woefully arrogant idea that the working person can be taxed and taxed and taxed to bloody death, but GOD FORBID ANY SPENDING is CUT. CUT IT ACROSS THE BOARD. I'm tired of rising prices in Gasoline (to and from my job every day) - more taxes, the income tax (RISING AGAIN), food, and EVERYTHING we buy and EVERYTHING we sell, and it's ALWAYS the lower middle class and the middle class that ends up being the ones HURT MOST by it all. You guys don't seem to "GET IT" - with your ungodly salaries, expense packages, health care packages, living like kings....y'all need to be paid about what most of us are paid - and learn to live within THOSE MEANS - We're being pushed to our limits by YOUR SPENDING PRACTICES...and it's not just one side or the other - Both sides of the isle are to blame for all this. This isn't just Democrats, it's Republicans too. We, The American People, are becomming the BROKE American People - and you guys keep on with the la-di-da day to day spending US INTO THE POOR HOUSE.

Congressional intransigence on revenue and spending. It is the job of the House of Representatives to tax and spend. Do it responsibily.

My biggest concern is that the fiscal cliff actually represents a total failure in leadership and statesmanship. The job of our elected leaders is to serve the best interests of the country. It is not to play power based games that serve the interests of on party, group, or interest. The fiscal cliff is a red flag that we only have politicians looking out for them selves, not political leaders who are wiling to take the risks that will enable all of us to come out ahead.

Over an over again, the poll questions are loaded for answers you want. I see hundreds of Congress's bills, as if more bills do anything . Instead you add the tangle of confusion and making it appear you are being useful. Meanwhile the real important issue is fighting to remove the Fed. Every year printing money, dwarfs raising or cutting taxes. Taxes are only a political issue. A way to cover the fact that the Fed manages our country. If you wanted to do something, you would stand up for the destruction of the Fed. Now that would be a revolution worth fighting for! I wonder how many members of Congress actually understand the control the Fed wields...

What bothers(no, infuriates) me is Congress' inability to pass a budget in the last THREE years. What do you guys do all day, play golf? Each & everyone of you needs to drop the no compromise stance and work together to do the business of the country. That's what we sent you to Congress for. When 47% of the taxpayers pay NO income tax, there is something terribly wrong with our tax system. ANd don't blame the wealthy - the top 1% of earners in the U.S. paid 30% of the revenue taken in by the IRS in 2011(IRS stats). Get to work, encourage the opposition to get to work, DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING but don't sit there and just say no.

My greatest concern with the financial cliff is our elected officials' refusal to deal with the issue. Every memeber of Congress has to work together to solve the fiscal crisis. Compromise is neither a dirty word nor a sin.

It's obvious that both parties have forgotten about compromise. The real issue is the fair burden of our national expenses on everyone. Right now the well off, those making over $250,000 are getting a break in comparison to the middle class which shoulders most of the tax burden and has the most impact on our consumption based free economy. I pay a lot of tax and I expect those who make more than I do, to pay a bit more, not less. This is not sharing wealth its about paying your fair share for using our free market to make money. Fixs the problem or all of you politicos can get voted out of office and be replaced by someone else.

Oh where to start? My heart breaks for our Nation. Our Government has gotten way out of control in all aspects. We need to quit playing World Power and focus on our own SOVEREIGN problems. We wouldn't need to raise taxes through the roof if we quit building mosques in foreign Nations (or on our own soil for that matter). We need to quit providing military relief worldwide and bring our troops home ... billions automatically saved right there. Our Government always plays the fear card of pulling social security and medicaid. Here's an idea ... let Congress and the Senate pay for, and draw from, the same Social Security program the rest of us are forced to accept. Let's see how soon the problem gets fixed then. One of our greatest problems is that our 'elected' officials have become the Masters of the people they are supposed to serve. Our Constitution is being shredded and our 'Representatives' stand blindly by, giving us choices. My choice is to return to our Constitution and let it be our guiding force. If indeed this were the case, the Federal Reserve would not exist and America would not be able to print her way into bankruptcy. The NDAA would have never been considered. Ditto for the Patriot Act. Our Constitution and the rights it afforded us gave us the incentive to be a Great Nation... and we were. My dear, Mr. Forbes, you know as well as I do, America is swirling down the tubes toward destruction. We need to restore our Constitution and our rights. The rest of the problems we face (including being raped by taxes on top of taxes) will solve themselves. Thank you.

We must reduce spending, preferably starting with the funds going to foreign countries that are not even friendly to the USA. We are not going to get out of this mess without increased revenues and the first step would be to end the opposition to an increase in the tax rate on income above $250,000.00 per year. You are pandering to a very small percentage of the electorate and increasing the likelihood of losing the majority status in the House by losing the middle class vote. I understand it is a small portion of the revenue needed but has become a perceived issue among the average voters.

First of all, I think that any decrease to our military budget , is a huge mistake and puts this country, and all of our sons and daughters who are serving this country at additional risk, especially since Countries such as China, Russia, and Iran among others, are increasing building not decreasing their military forces. I agree with Romney's plan to increase not decrease our military spending and to revamp and improve and strengthen the systems we have. A strong America is a more secure America and one less likely to need to use force to stay that way. Also, as far as taxes and jobs. I think that our leaders would be wise to start listening to the suggestions of some of this countries smartest business leaders, people who have proven to be smarter and more successful in matters pertaining to business, the economy and to creating jobs. I happen to strongly agree with many of the ideas of Donald Trump when it comes to getting this country back on track to solvency. I think that his plan as to eliminating corporate taxes, not increasing them; thereby creating an incentive for companies to actually bring the jobs back to America is a good place to start. I also think that his idea to simplify and reform the current income tax code to become a more fairly distributed 1,5,10,15 plan -where EVERYONE pays a fair amount of tax based on the amount they earn is another good example, Not just half of our population paying higher taxes , and the other half paying nothing as we are currently doing in this Country. Even simple people like me understand that more people working and paying more affordable taxes will bring us closer to getting our economy moving again and the financial situation headed back towards recovery faster than by increasingly taxing fewer and fewer workers at ever higher and higher rates, because there are not enough jobs and not enough people working in this country. And you can bet that there will be a lot fewer jobs if we continue to increase the tax burden on the businesses that create them. And by the way, increasing the tax burden on higher income earners isn't going to solve our financial debacle either, What is being forgotten with that bright idea, is that when the high tax rates being forced on them become too much, they just pick up and move somewhere else, where they can keep more of what they earn, since they are the ones who have the resources to do so, and who could blame them? I don’t, I probably would too, if I could. While it is absolutely true the wasteful spending in Washington has to STOP, the military budget isn't the place to start making those cuts. Let’s start making some of those government cuts at the top, for example take a look at the compensation packages for our members of Congress. How many other Americans have the luxury of receiving a salary of 169,000+ per year for working about 22, (average of three day- work weeks per year), and getting about 30 weeks paid vacation time + benefits at the expense of taxpayers ... Whoooo... talk about waste in Washington. I wouldn’t mind seeing some of those wasteful government expenses cut out of the budget

“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country; corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.” ? Abraham Lincoln

“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country; corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.” ? Abraham Lincoln

The two entities to blame are the Republican and Democratic parties. You all need to learn the word compromise!!! Neither side is going to get everything their own way so make a deal with the liberal democrats. If they allow some entitlement cuts you might have to allow some defense cuts or a raise in taxs (pick one). As bad as that sounds it is better than doing nothing. Hey...I have a great way to fix our fiscal problem. Anytime congress can not pass a budget no one in Congress can run for re-election...I bet that would get you all to work to gether for the good of the country.

None of the answers provided address the real problem, which is congress. It seems to me that congress would rather see America come to her knees than to compromise with our current President to move the country froward. LETS NOT FORGET WE WERE LOSING MILIINOS OF JOBS BEFORE HE EVER CAME TO OFFICE. The job situation would be greatly improved if congress would get off of its do-nothings and pass legislation to fix our failing infrastructor. Every time I travel our local expressways like 264, it reminds me that congress is not doing their job. Congress is squadering this time of low interest rate to re-build our dated country infrastructor, only because they dislike the President. The President (or captain) only charts the course for the country (or ship) but congress is the engine that creates movement and congress constantly fails.

I am a nurse. If you are having chest pain, I know what to do. I do not know what to say about the horrifyingly named "fiscal cliff", other then it sounds like fearmongering and not economics.

I'm a little more than confused here. Tax cuts for the wealthy due to end, but ostensibly worded such that this is bad for the economy. How so? Good that they're ending and even better if the wealthy are slammed with some tax increases to make up for the predicted shortfall; I'm sure they can afford it.

It's business as usual in Washington - you boys and girls continue to point the finger at each other or at the President trying to shift the blame to anyone but yourselves! Congresss has put us in the mess we're in and you refuse to take responsibility for it. The hole keeps getting deeper and deeper and yet, the whole bunch of you is doing nothing to find a solution. Congress' slogan is: It's my way or no way! If any member of Congress had any character and integrity ALL of you would resign. Go back to school and learn how to cooperate and truly represent the people!!! It's time that the members of Congress learn how to cut-back and begin to make sacrifices; i.e., give up some of your lavish government benefits!

What worries me most about the "fiscal cliff" is that our elected officials will not look at the needs of our country and make the hard and sometimes unpopular decision to compromise and do what is best for all of our citizens. They will use the automatic cuts as an excuse for doing nothing. We need to have a strong defense, but we do not need to fight every country's wars. Defense spending needs to cut along with many other wastful programs. Until we are willing to invest in science , technology and education we are going to have an increasinly difficult time being competetive in the world. I am tired of the lack of my representatives willingness to work together and I am ready for some new chioces.

If Israel wants to strike Iran on a preemptive war strike,let them go right ahead without US interventions or help,because this country in more than enough debt from the other 2 wars that have only added to the $15.3 trillions today that the next generation will be paying the consequences behind it and further cripple our already frail economy into hyper inflation spending. Going to war with Iran is insane and would bankrupt our economy,more lives lost than the Vietnam War ,because of neocon fear and war mongering. Sen Forbes there are some 250,000 Iranian Jews that are living in solidarity in Iran with Muslims,even on their Parliament board,yet we're sanctioning them for whose interest? Are we going to continue dominate the entire Middle East region just for Israel's interest and loose more soldiers and accumulate more national debt? Stop this insane madness.,going to war with Iran US will have to reenact the draft.. I personally find it grossly hypocritical that Israel have over dozens of nuclear warheads ,yet aren't being inspected ,and here it is we want Iran under the microscope, a country that haven't attacked no other country over 6 decades.

James, I understand somewhat now why "You People"( Gop's ) in Congress are so scatter brained after listening to your Chairman Reinhold Priebus a few days ago on CNN. What a dip stick. I don't care what his education or experience is, Reinhold is a mental midget and if he is pulling the strings for Willard he is the force behind Willard's nailing the coffin shut of any Presidential aspirations. Take a poll on You, Your constituents and Willard's Campaign master Minds to see where "You People" stand with your Voters instead of asking B. S. questions to make look somewhat credible for all your Price of Non-Conformance inflicted on the American People .

Congress inability to come together both sides of the aisles to compromise on issues that directly affect your constituents base and not your personal sponsorship endorsers interests. This failing economy and only a few dozen Senators are stepping up to the plate to try to rectifier this issue out of 100 Senators and 435 representatives. No wonder Congress have the lowest rating in US history. There are some 2.3 million Americans unemployed and the Dept Of Labor Bureau reported that as of July 2012, the same rate have been 8.3% since 2008. Our Congress interested instigating starting another war with Iran and bail out Wall Street and major banks institutions.,while our infrastructure is collapsing.

Congressman isn’t this the agreement that Congress put together and now you’re frighten by the consequences? Shame on you Congressman and all of your fellow Congressmen. You people act like children. If I can’t get my way, I’ll take my ball and go home. You were elected to represent the people and make decisions for the betterment of the COUNTRY, not a political party. As far as going over the cliff is concerned, I say let it go. Let’s start with a fresh outlook. My only regret is that when Congress put this agreement together they should have included a provision to rid ourselves of all of you at the same time. This mess is of your making. You people took a surplus and changed into a deficit. You increase the defense budget by over 80% over the past 12 years. You lowered our credit rating. You’ve started two wars which has caused the death of hundred’s of thousands of people. Let’s go over the cliff, can it be any worst than is now?

My biggest concern is that you and the rest Grand Obstructionist Party members of the do less than nothing Congress will continue to draw a salary after swearing allegience to the Almighty Grover abd abandoning your constituents and your jobs. This is the ultimate waste of taxpayer dollars. Time for a change.

THE TERM "ENTITLEMENTS"IS MISPLACED. STEMSON MISSED THE MARK BY A THOUSAND MILLES. GREEDY ARE THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. THEY THINK THEY ARE ELITE. THEY ARE NOT! THEIR SALARIES SHOULD BE CUT WAY BACK, TAXED ON PERKS AND NOT AUTOMARIC PAY INCREASES OF SEPERAT HEALTHCARE AT TAXPAYER EXPENS EXCEPT MEDICARE. THE SAME GOES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND STAFFS. NO PENSIONS PERIOD COR CONGRESS OR ADMISTRATION. MOST CLAIM TO BE "PUBLIC SEVERANTS"; NO-NO THEY ARE "PUBLIC LEACHES". POLITICS FROM POLY=MANY; TICS=PARISITES APPAROPREATLY NAMED. FROM BOTH HOUSES OF THE CONGRESS (BOTH PARTIES)THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SOLD DOWN THE RIVER THERE ARE, JUST, TOO FEW MEMBER (YES THERE ARE SOME) THAT TAKE THE JOB SERIOUSLY. LOOK AT THE SENATE, JOE BIDEN WAS THE ONLY MEMBER THAT WAS NOT A MILLIONAIRE, OR SO THEY SAY?????? IF HE WASN'T HE IS NOW. GOD BLESS AMERICA DON'T TREAD ON ME LONG LIVE LIBERTY &LONG MA SHE WAVE LIBERTY IS NOT FREE BUT UT IS WORTH DIEING FOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am concerned about all the items listed, but I think they all need to be done to balance our budget. It's a combination of all of the items above. We need to cut spending, especially for military, since our troops are coming home, and we don't have as much at stake out their. That's going to save us probably $500 Million alone. It costs a literal fortune to keep troops overseas, and now that they are coming home safe and sound, we can focus on our borders, and less on very, very expensive trips into unfriendly territory. I hate to see taxes raised, but I would only allow it with a promise on the government not to waste it on expanded government cost, but rather, to balance our budget, and start paying actual principal on our $15+ TRILLIION debt. That's a disgusting amount of debt. I don't want to be around if China calls that debt on us. It scares the hell out of me that we have gotten ourselves in this deep. I saw a bumper sticker today that said, "Our family lives within our means. Please let the President know." I wanted to take a picture of that. IF we continue to let debt rise, we will no longer be a world power, and our dollar may eventually go the way of the Russian Ruble. We don't produce GDP anymore. 75% of our goods are financial services. That's a fact, and it's one of the reasons the economy is in the dumps. I have seen entire towns literally shut down,(like Rockingham, NC) because factories employing 10,000+ closed. Real estate plummets. 10 people exist for every $7/hr job opening. I think if we require American Companies to start manufacturing here again, and stop outsourcing all their parts and labor (and that especially includes produce - try going to the produce section in a grocery, and see if you can find even enough American products to count on 1 hand - 75% are from Canada or Mexico), that will help jobs, employment, and everything else in this country. We are getting dangerously close to being equivalent of a boardroom of executives who know how to give orders, but no one knows how to actually make anything. Then we will be hand over fist indebted to other countries, because production has become a lost art here. The result: The cost of goods will go up slightly, but unemployment will plummet, and unemployment tax, and income taxes should go down. We can still import goods, but if it says USA, make it here in the USA. Individual companies will temporarily take a hit, but competition will balance itself out, because I believe we will choose to buy alot of things in the USA instead of overseas if it means more jobs. I would rather pay 20% more on my grocery bill than pay 20% more in hiked taxes. Consider this. Thank you.

Mr. Forbes, I am disgusted by what I see and read about the elected and appointed government officials in Washington, D.C. I am offended by your simple 'insta-polls' which only pander to the lowest common denominator of funding and jobs for your district. Don't you realize that you are just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic that was the United States? Have you read that document you swore to support and defend? Are you aware that your "War on Terror" has shredded my constitution? The president has assumed dictatorial powers with no opposition from the congress or the courts; he has enacted unconstitutional laws by executive order and refuses to enforce the laws enacted by congress. You, as a member of the congress should be drawing-up the articles of his impeachment. Instead, you regularly send me 'insta-polls', as though a reduction in military spending might be my worst fear. My worst fear, sir, is that I will witness the United States of America descend into the same national socialist abyss as Germany did, under the rise of Adolph Hitler. Why don't you send out 'insta-polls' to test the public opinion about Mr. Obama, signing-away our Bill of Rights to the United Nations? You must know that your job is forfeit when the UN assumes control of our country. Please let me know if I can be of any help in providing you with proof of my allegations! Respectfully, RMH

The problem here is twofold: (1) this administration spends more excessively than any other administration in history. A balanced budget is needed yesterday. (2). Our declaration of indendence states "...all men are created equal...". How is it equal when only some pay taxes and nearly 50 percent pay no taxes? This needs to stop as well as all the loop holes. Stop this discrimination in our country. No matter which way you cut this, it is dividing our country and is causing us troubles in delivering on government promises and commitments. This is time for leadership, not half measures.

Define the word "entitlement" in the questionnaire. You have incorrectly applied this to social security and your constituents have pointed this out previously. Here's what needs to be done: 1. Have the IG act as a gatekeeper for defense acquisition and contracting. This will most likely save billions from pork barrel defense projects and go a long way to reducing the effects of sequestration. 2. Raise taxes on those that can most afford it. This includes adding tiers to capital gains rates with the top rate being raised to 25%. This needs to stay in place until the deficit is under control. 3. Cut spending in foreign aid. 4. Cut abuses in actual entitlement programs (welfare, food stamps etc.). The IRS handing out refunds worth tens of millions of dollars to a single household is the utmost in stupidity. Point being, fix broken agencies. 5. Make sure corrupt businesses such as Goldman Sachs are held to account. Fining GS $550M when they took $12.9B in tax payer money is ridiculous. For the fine to carry any weight, it would need to be in excess of the bailout provided. In this case the fine should be raised to $15B. Paid back on an installment plan if necessary. That should be enough to get you started.

All of the above concern me except the child tax credit. We need to keep our Defense budget in tact what with the Middle East crisis. And, the WORST thing we can do is RAISE taxes with the way the world economy is going. In all actuality there's a LOT we could do. REFORM such things as the EPA, Federal Reserve. Make their actions into proposals for legislative approval. And take a big chunk out of government officials' salaries to the equivalent of our Military leaders and soldiers. Make a fort-like establishment for our incumbents to stay in when they are in Washington. With all due respect, government's duty is to SERVE the needs of this country. Only a FEW DO that. Most get into politics for their own fame and gain anymore. And, they treat taxpayer money like it's a windfall. (paying $16 PER shrimp, for Pelosi when she was Speaker to use a government plane to stock all kinds of booze and expensive foods to go home every weekend?) It doesn't take long for a household to stick to a budget and live within their means. The first priority for government is to eliminate wasteful spending. Stick to the Constitution. You are to serve us by protecting us by keeping ahead of the world as far as weapons and training of our troops. And, that means the cost of building them. REFORM our Tax Codes by eliminating the loop holes as well as keeping the tax rates at the level of the Bush Cuts, PERMANENTLY. Or go to a flat tax for everyone working, which would eliminate "class warfare." For example: 10% of earnings over $20,000 per year (after exemptions and standard deductions, of course) Eliminate the nanny earned income credit, too. Why do I advise the above? Those earning, after exemptions and deductions would STILL give lower-income people a refund. These people qualify for the SNAP (food assistance program and nearly free medical care through Medicaid, too. Some even qualify for housing assistance), so they are NOT suffering.

My HOPE (not fear ... why must me always be frightened?) is that CONGRESS -- all of "them" finially realize that climbing out of debt is a LONG haul proposition were NOTHING should be off the table as a solution. My expectation is that Senators, Congresspersons, Supreme Court Justices, the President, Vice President and all government personnel who took an oath "... to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic ..." start behaving in accordance with that oath. It turns out that at this point in time the people who refuse to do their job and balance the budget by BOTH cutting spending AND raising taxes where necessary (and OBTW, since when is letting a TEMPORARY tax break expire an increase in taxes?). It is an unpleasant job but it is one that has to be done for the very survival of all of us. Get on with it. So that being my HOPE, I truly expect it to be dashed on the rocks of the poisonous atmosphere of NON-COOPERATION that everyone in our government is apparently engaged in.

I don't mind paying a little more taxes to help our country, but there needs to be a limit on the give aways. Everybody ought to pay some taxes. And they ought to be made to work for the gov't hand outs. I don't mind helping anybody that needs it, especially old and/or handicapped, but people that are in good health need to contribute. Maybe they will find a job if they have to work for their "free" handouts. They get too much money for having babies and living off of this income. I did not need as much as some get to raise my children each month. All the welfare programs are a tremendous drain on our system. And the social security went to start a lot of these programs. And another way to cut money would be to do away with the Dept. of Education. The education in this country was much better when the states ran their own education systems. The federal gov't is involved in too many areas where they should not be involved!

Income Tax Refunds should be limited to the amount withdrawn from their wages. If the amount withdrawn from wages was$1200., there should not be a refund of $4000. That Ethan's to $2800. In free Federal monies being paid out. Can they publish totals showing the difference between the 'withheld' total and 'refund' total? Let's see how much of the 'federal debt' adds up right there.

Well congressman the voters in overwhelming ways are sending you a clear message. Voters are disgusted with the lack of cooperation in Washington and the utter inability to act. As the district steps back to examine where you have taken the nation for the past twelve years we are concerned. From a balanced budget when you got there to 10 TRILLION in debt, ridiculously unwise tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires that help to bring the nation to its knees, reckless oversight of Wall Street, unwise and unjust wars with absolutely no plan whatsoever to pay for it. We have seen the policy you helped implement destroy the middle class, unleash very disturbing explosion in gun violence in our streets, erosion of Naval resource and capability and actions to destroy the American auto industry. You stood firm in bizarre position to accelerate the failure of the financial system and you are fighting to remove essential regulation from the finance industry in opposition to the Federal Reserve chairman. In twelve years you have managed to only get 1 law passed in the congress. In my view sir and apparently in the view of the vast majority of people responding on this blog the direction you have taken the district has proven disasterous. I urge you sir to cease actions like trying to repeal health care reforms that according to the CBO would add additional BILLIONS of dollars to the deficit. I urge you sir to pressure your leadership to vote on a jobs bill sent to the congress last SEPTEMBER!!! What are you doing in Washington? I urge you to stop with the LIES about not having a budget when you KNOW the Budget Control Act passed and signed by the president is the law. It is this kind of intellectual LIES congressman that the public is sick and tired of. Please sir, rescind your commitment to the Grover Norquist blackmail pledge so that you can act responsibly. The people of your district are at wits end with the performance in Washington sir. Obstructionism must end and if the people do not see action taken on the issues you raise BEFORE the election do not expect to be there after the election to cope with them. Perhaps this reality will be the motivation that gets something done.

Two comments: 1. If the poll question was, are you concerned about raising tax rates on the welathiest Americans while maintaing the existing tax rates on everyone else, that would elicit a far different repsonse than what will be with the way you worded the poll. The vast majority of Americans of all ages, political parties, etc. favor raising taxes on only those of the wealthiest people. Why? Because it is so logical as to be beyond question to anyone with any sense at all. And it isn't because everyone just wants to stick it to the rich...It isn't about class warfare. It's about simple fairness. There is no way on Earth that the budget can ever be balanced based solely on spending reductions. There must be an added revenue factor. If someone has to pay it, who can best afford it? The family of four with taxable income of $25,000 per year or the family of four with taxable earnings of $25,000,000 per year. 2. Entitlement reform must take place in some form. To the democrats who refuse to change anything and the republicans who want to end Medicare, Medicaid and other safety nets as we have known them for decades with little apparent regard for the people they are designed to protect or the costs that may be transferred to the state level fromthe federal government, I suggest you are both wrong. I don't know the answers but somehow a tweaking of what is in place tather than a reinvention of the wheel seems to be far simpler and more cost effective.

It was reported today that under congressman Ryan's budget, Governor Romney would pay LESS than 1% tax on the millions of dollars he made in 2010. THIS IS NOT the kind of responsible policy that will move America forward. PLease do your constituents justice by publically making this point to your constituents. Anything other than this will very clearly demonstrate your continued abandonment of the middle class and call into question capacity to represent the district you serve.

It really gripes me that Social Security keeps getting "lumped in" with government hand-out ENTITLEMENT programs. It's not a hand-out... we've earned those benefits by paying in a portion of our earnings for the duration of our working years! If the Social Security program had remained as it was originally established (independent of the Govermnent's General Fund) and congress had not been permitted to "dip into the kitty" at will to pay other "obligations" by leaving only an IOU... we would not be faced with the current so-called "crisis" of looming bankruptcy!

Look I am of the opinion that if you don't know whos (program/group) needs to be cut because both parties can not agree then is it possible and I don't see way not ,too then cut EVERY program/group etc. by 1% or more. Is it not better to hurt EVERYONE with a slap on the hand then to hurt or kill a few ? Most parents truly want to give their children everything on their christmas or school list but let's face it MOST can not, so do they give one child more then the others, no they divide it equally between them all. After all aren't we in this together? As it goes United we stand Divided we fall.

After reading many comments, here is my 2 cents worth: 1. I appreciate the insta - polls if they are truely being paid attention to by our Congressmen and these Congressmen with the information are casting their vote per the majority of citizens in the districts. They are a good way for our elected officials to see how citizens are affected or our thoughts / concerns on bills or topics. 2. The Senate's Liberal Democratic leadership needs to get off their "rears" and allow the repeal of the Obama Health care bill (passed by the House) to be debated on the Senate floor and voted on. The American voting public needs to know which Senators support repeal of the Obama Health Care Law and which Senators don't before the November elections. All we've seen from the Liberal Democratic majority is a party line vote even if the bills were a good idea. How many jobs (creation) bills are waiting for Senator Reid to allow to be heard on the Senate floor????Does 16 ring a bell.... 3. Congressman Forbes is a good Congressman, in my opinion. He only has one vote and uses that vote to try to restore as well as maintain the important things that American citizens feel are important. Persons making negative critical comments should look up his voting record 1st and provide specifics of their concerns. Better yet, participate in the insta-poll and respond to his query or write to him for a written response. 4. All Congressmen and Senators only get one vote. Check for party line votes on important issues or important issues not allowed to be heard on the Senate or House floor for debate and vote. The political STONEWALL in the Senate is a good example of "whats wrong" in our government....In my opinion, it is an abuse unbecoming of the Leadership and esteemed Senatorial position.

Here we are on yet another congressional recess congressman. Only 61 of 3,900 bills have been passed by the congress. Do you think a performance of 2% on what is seen as the worst congress in the history of the country gives voters confidence that you haven't already taken the nation off a cliff? I would like to know sir exactly what the 61 bills were. What was the total cost of this legislation? That is not an unreasonable request for you to post this list on this blog for direct comment. If you wish to remain in congress then surely you want to convey your contribution here.

To Jim : In all due respect, there is a LONG history on the congressman's blog of voter complaints about the wording of these polls. It doesn't even come close to aligning with the commentary here on a weekly basis. Further, our representative refuses to sponsor polls that have been asked for repeatedly by constituents, such as gauging the sentiment for raising tax rates on millionaires and billionaires when those rates are now at 1931 levels. We cannot even get this congressman to poll the public on whether they support an end to the billions of dollars given annually to the oil and gas industry. I am just as skeptical as you are that the polls are not seriously analyzed. They are nothing more than a weekly campaign advertisement for support. That is a shame that this congress has pushed the nation to where it is today.

To address your question directly, the aspect of the "fiscal cliff" that most concerns me is that the residents of the 4th district will not take the time to educate themselves on what created this situation, and elect you to continue your disasterous voting record. Your blind commitment to radical-right wing-nut ideology was the basis for your vote against raising the debt ceiling to pay for items previously approved. You and others of the same mindset are directly responsible for the downgrade of the US credit rating. What did you do for an encore? - create a "Super Committee" composed of 12 members to try to accomplish what the super committeee composed of 535 members could not. The result - sequestration. Let's face the facts. A certain percentage of the electorate will vote Democrat or Republican even if Disney characters are the candidates. The remainder are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils in the absence of a viable, independent third party candidate. Why do we have three branches of government? Checks and balances are not supported in a two party system. It's time for a real change - the creation of an American Independents Alliance composed of individuals who are able to think and act for themselves, understanding that the role of government in a republic is to do that which does the greatest good for the country, without concern for party affiliation.

My biggest concern, is that you DON'T LET the taxes raise and the spending cuts kick in, which were by design and AGREED TO by the majority of Congress. The DEFICIT and the 16 trillion of debt are the issue. This "dreaded" fiscal cliff are cuts of $109 billion a year, and we are acting like armageddon will occur. We need to identify 1.1 trillion $ of spending cuts and tax increases to balance the budget and we are in a panic over a minor $109 billion/yr. How any congressman talks of balance budget amendments, then is not willing to allow some relatively minor changes occur bringing us closer to a balanced budget is a hypocrite. The worst case is continuing to kick the can down the road and denying the responsibility of why we elect you.

What most concerns me about the fiscal cliff is that Congress seems to be more interested in fighting, pointing fingers and making the other side look bad instead of seriously trying to resolve the problem. This is a problem that will impact every American citizen and our great country. We all will have to make concessions and compromise. With that in mind, I am asking our House of Representatives, whose salary all citizens pay, to put aside party politics and come to the table with equal no strings attached sacrifices to resolve this problem. I realize this is a Pollyanna suggestion, but think what could happen if we tried this approach.