Local residents speak out on fiscal cliff debate

Colorado Springs-area residents shared their opinions Tuesday about the fiscal cliff in Washington, D.C.

KRDO NewsChannel 13 spoke with several people who said they had varying degrees of familiarity with or knowledge about the situation. However, they said Congress should bear the blame for allowing the situation to reach a crisis.

“I blame the Republicans under the Bush Administration for allowing two wars that we never paid for, and tax cuts that we never paid for,” said Kolleen Johnson. “And I blame Democrats for not standing up and knowing better.”

Others said they’re frustrated with what they describe as Congress’ inability to compromise on important matters that affect so many Americans.

“No matter which way we turn, there’s a bickering and a finger-pointing,” said William Koontz. “Somebody’s going to point a finger at the president, some are going to point a finger at Congress. But they’re all supposedly working for us. And the sadness of it is, it doesn’t seem to be happening.”

Many residents said that Congress being able to work together to resolve disputes and address issues, is more important even than the possibility of higher taxes and an economic recession from the fiscal cliff.

“I wouldn’t mind paying some more taxes if it were to try and get us — rather than just more spending — out of this debt situation,” said Leland Reece. “I guess that’s where I’m at.”

Koontz’ mother, L.J. Stevens, was more blunt in her assessment of the situation.

“I think Congress is a bunch of idiots,” said Stevens, 84. “If they’re not going to do something about it, then they need to be gotten out of office.”