Editorial: Averting the fiscal cliff

The following is an editorial from FOX6 WBRC-TV General Manager Lou Kirchen, first aired on Thursday, Jan. 3:

The dictionary defines the word "avert" as "prevent." So, if you were to avert having an accident, you would be preventing that accident from happening. After which you might say, "Whew, that's a relief...that didn't happen."

We have heard a lot in the news about "averting" the fiscal cliff. We have not averted it - delayed it perhaps, but we still have to deal with all of the issues that have gotten us into this dilemma. Next comes the national debt ceiling.

After a last minute deal was reached, this week, several politicians were seen proudly strutting around declaring how they had saved the day. Really, our country is so heavily in debt, we can't pay our bills.  

We have come to expect to government to cure all of our ills, to take care of everything we need. And when anyone suggests that is just not possible, they are vilified. The reality is we will never really avert a national financial crisis until we act responsibly. That is, ask less of the government and more of ourselves.  

In the end, if we are to have long term financial health and prosperity, the check book must be balanced. What do you think?

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