Two perspectives about the post-presidential election from The Conversation provide interesting discussion points for Americans and people around the world.

Resolving the US’ fiscal cliff through taxation reform will prove challenging for the President. AAP

FINANCIAL CLIFF

“When President Obama took office in 2008, there was little time for rest or reflection. The economy was in freefall and immediate action was required. This time around, the situation is not so dire. But once again, the President faces a pressing post-election economic challenge: the January 1 deadline known as the fiscal cliff.

“So, a quick recap on how we got here: during the lame duck session of Congress in late 2010, Democrats and Republicans agreed to extend the Bush tax cuts and institute a payroll tax holiday, both set to expire at the end of 2012.”

Click here to read the entire article from The Conversation, “No clear resolution for the US financial cliff.”

STATUS UNCHANGED – AMERICA IS NOT IN DECLINE AND THERE WILL BE NO DIFFERENCE

“American decline has become basic to the debate about international relations. It is and will become a ubiquitous claim as the federal government moves toward the “fiscal cliff” soon after the 113th Congress is sworn in. Declinism is increasingly central to American self-perceptions and how scholars, here and abroad, study the Republic. Some expect, others hope for, decline. Let me suggest ten reasons why the United States, whether you favoured Obama or Romney on November 6, may have much further to run.”

Clinck here to read the entire article from The Conversation, “Why the US is not in decline – and the election made no difference.”