They’d better quit with the hope and do something

Because if this here is any indication, we’re screwed.

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Fears of going over the fiscal cliff were showing signs of receding on Wednesday, as both Speaker John Boehner and President Barack Obama indicated optimism about reaching a deal and U.S. stock markets rose.

In comments early Wednesday morning, Boehner said he was “optimistic that we can continue to work together to avert this crisis, and sooner rather than later.” The comments helped send U.S. stock markets higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI:DJIA)   lately up about 78 points and the S&P 500 up 6 points. See Market Snapshot.

Obama, speaking at the White House, said he’s hopeful about striking a deal before Christmas.

“Our ultimate goal is an agreement that gets our long-term deficit under control in a way that is fair and balanced,” Obama said. “And I believe that both parties can agree on a framework that does that in the coming weeks.” Read more MarketWatch fiscal cliff coverage.

In a sign of intensifying negotiations, the Treasury said that Secretary Tim Geithner will hold talks on Thursday separately with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Boehner, and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. White House legislative director Rob Nabors will also participate.

Geithner will “continue discussing the actions we need to take to keep our economy growing and find a balance approach to reduce our deficit,” a Treasury statement said.

Chief among the sticking points: how to deal with competing positions on raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans. Obama on Wednesday again urged Congress to pass a bill extending tax breaks for all but the wealthiest 2% of Americans. Republicans insist that lower rates continue for all earners.

via Boehner, Obama hopeful on fiscal cliff deal – MarketWatch.

A bit less, “Well, I hope we can.” and more of getting down to business and getting it done, would be very nice. Of course, the Obama Administration’s more interested in killing business and capitalism; and maybe even bringing down our capitalistic system, than he is saving the Country.

I’m just saying.