I am tired of hearing and reading all the hooey about the so-called “fiscal cliff.” It is nothing more than a fabrication fervently touted by the media with the help of our beloved politicians.

I have news for everyone. This nation went over the “cliff” a long time ago. To think the nation is teetering on the edge of any cliff is ludicrous. More likely, the United States is in a deep financial abyss that intensifies with each passing year.

Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. is not the well-off financial star of the universe. It is not in a financial condition to be bailing out other countries, nor does the U.S. have a right to interfere in the affairs of other countries.

There are plenty of problems to be solved on our own soil, yet a day does not go by when the government is not sending money and/or troops to such nations as Israel.

Sure, other countries need help in the event of natural disasters, that is generally not the case. A large chunk of U.S. taxpayers’ money goes to other areas of the world for the purpose of bankrolling military activity.

It does not take a rocket scientist to know that the people of the U.S. are in a bad space. I worry when I think of those who are elected to act in the public’s behalf. I am reminded of “the emperor’s new clothes.”

Carolyn Libbey, Lewiston