12-18 IAN Fiscal cliff

 I don’t have any idea about the specifics of every item confronting us with this fiscal cliff. What I do know is that there is a cleft between Democrats and Republicans that is causing the cliff. There is a simple way to avoid the proverbial fiscal cliff - according to National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. He says that is to pass what many can agree on now - raising additional revenues while reducing expenditures. Besides increasing some taxes - Johnson says strategic cuts should be made to government spending - and among them - the inclusion of a five-year farm bill.  “Both the house and the Senate agricultural committees along with the full Senate have passed bipartisan versions of the farm bill that will save between $23 -$35 billion. A compromise version of this 5 year farm bill  represents a smart way to cut spending that Republicans and Democrats can agree to.” Johnson also urges Congress to extend the Production Tax Credit for renewable energy - which will expire on December 31st if Congress doesn’t take any action