Playing politics in Washington while our economy is suffering can only lead to more suffering. There is no justification for the Republican-controlled Congress to go on a vacation when there is a crisis looming about the federal budget. Don't they know that 4.2 million of Americans will lose their unemployment insurance if they fail to stop the fiscal cliff?

It is not a handout from the government. Most of the money is provided by employers except when there is an excessive number of people out of work like right now.

Those politicians who are holding the unfortunate hostage during this crisis should be unemployed and see how it is to be without their everyday needs. Oh, I forgot, many of those same members of Congress are millionaires and will never be in their shoes.

On the subject of wealthy, who can afford to pay a little more in taxes without having the necessities at home like rent, food, insurance, clothing, and on and on. Many people are scraping by on their income and will have to give up something if Congress don't act before the end of the year.

To the rich, $2,000, $4,000 or $6,000 is a small drop in the bucket, but to the average provider it is the difference between having and not having.

Call your Congress members and tell them to cooperate with the president to stop the "fiscal cliff" from happening.

John Kronenberger

Belleville