I am so confused. First the president and Congress agree to across-the-board tax increases on a certain date. But then the public learns of a “fiscal cliff” if the tax increases that were formerly negotiated are actually implemented, and the middle class will be hurt badly!

Now spending cuts, formerly agreed to by the president and Congress, referred to as a “sequester,” will soon be in effect, and again the middle class is teetering on the brink of disaster. What is the point of agreeing to policies that are harmful to the nation and then scrambling around trying to make changes to avert disaster?

Note to president and Congress: Please agree to policies you are comfortable with. As an older American, I could use a bit of stability in my life.