WASHINGTON — Seeking to focus on nation-building at home, President Barack Obama will use his State of the Union address to call for more spending on infrastructure and manufacturing, while also announcing the withdrawal of 34,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan within a year.

Can there be any doubt that it has become little more than a game, run by and for the wealthiest 1 percent and corporate CEOs?

WASHINGTON — Efforts to save the nation from going over a year-end "fiscal cliff" were in disarray as lawmakers fled the Capitol for their Christmas break. "God only knows" how a deal can be reached now, House Speaker John Boehner declared.

“If the Grand Obstinate Party is ever going to win any elections in 2014 or 2016 they need to do three things: Schedule a few sessions with Dr. Phil, privatize elections nationwide and have Koch Industries count the ballots, and, above all, don’t use pollsters that gerrymander. Republicans should know that’s the best way to get the worst information.”

“Did the Cronkite School honor Bob Costas as a sports caster or political commentator? The school should be embarrassed about his injecting his political opinions into sports.”

"Trickle-up poverty, aka socialism, means everyone will be getting crumbs."

Nanny state? Please Linda Turley-Hansen; do not insult me or the majority of America’s intelligent citizens who voted for and elected the president of our choice (“Stuck in America,” AFN, Nov. 16). Who does have charisma and is not just an empty suit; but is also trustworthy; was able to give us “details” of his policies instead of the statement “trust me,” and was more than a mouth piece for the right wing faction of the Republican party.

In this highly contentious election season, we all agreed about one thing: This was a big deal. The two presidential candidates offered vividly contrasting visions of America's future. It was taxing the rich versus tax reform, it was redesigning our entitlement programs versus maintaining them as is, it was fiscal discipline versus deficits indefinitely.

If Congress lets the country go off the fiscal cliff, how much will it cost you?

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama won re-election Tuesday night despite a fierce challenge from Republican Mitt Romney, prevailing in the face of a weak economy and high unemployment that encumbered his first term and crimped the middle class dreams of millions.

NEW YORK — Any stock trader will tell you that if there's one thing investors hate, it's uncertainty.

Editor's Note: These letters to the editor have been sorted by topic by the Tribune editorial staff in an effort to allow readers to read varied opinions on the issues, candidates, and other circumstances surrounding the 2012 general election. These submissions are the opinions of the author, not the Tribune, and have not been edited for grammar or content.

Eddie Electrician may provide eight hours of his time to Pete Plumber who, in return, provides eight hours of his time to Eddie Electrician. At the end of their workday, they have both received the services they needed. All services were provided as economically as possible and with no hidden costs, i.e., eight hours for eight hours.

“Mr. Livdahl: Nothing in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that ‘Prosperity equals piety.’ But, I will grant you that there are many Mormons who believe that is so.”

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama isn't talking about it and neither is Mitt Romney. But come January, 163 million workers can expect to feel the pinch of a big tax increase regardless of who wins the election.

“If people would give up their Medicare and Social Security we could afford our wars, tax cuts and weapons systems. Wake up, people, and stop being so greedy.”

EDITOR'S NOTE _ An occasional look at political claims that take shortcuts with the facts or don't tell the full story

Democrat Richard Carmona said Wednesday he would not have supported the federal Affordable Care Act as pushed through by President Obama.

Government cannot spend unless and until it has taken the earnings of the makers. That taking occurs by way of taxation, printing, and/or borrowing. Printing, aka “Quantitative Easing,” waters down purchasing power. Borrowing requires us to pay interest and principal. Each of government’s means of getting money reduces taxpayer purchasing power, and that reduces prosperity for all, and that reduction kills jobs.

Democrat Richard Carmona said Wednesday he would not have supported the federal Affordable Care Act as pushed through by President Obama.

WASHINGTON — For critical Senate races, Republicans are turning to the playbook that served them so well in the 2010 elections. They're saturating the airwaves with political ads detailing the perils of "Obamacare" and the nation's growing debt.

As an investor, you can sometimes still feel you’re at the mercy of forces beyond your control. This may be especially true today, when the Federal Reserve has warned of an approaching “fiscal cliff.” What can you do in the face of such a dire prediction?

With the presidential election fast approaching, the economy remains one of the key issues that could be a decisive factor for many voters. President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney offer vastly different visions for turning around the economy and putting Americans back to work.

BOSTON — With swing voters in his sights, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is tacking toward the center on health care and defense spending now that he's put his final partisan hurdle behind him and the sprint to Nov. 6 is underway.