"
All of this because the GOP wants to protect their very wealthy friends who earn so much they wouldn't know how to spend it all paycheck to paycheck. It's only fair that I lose about $200 a month so some rich guy doesn't have to pay more taxes.
"

WRONG.

All of this because Obama wants to have the wealthy pay many thousands more each month, while you pay a few hundred. The percentage impact on the wealthy of the "cliff" is greater than that on you.

But by demanding the higher taxes, and NO decrease in spending, Obama has made it easier for the GOP to accept the taxes, AND get some spending cuts that Obama would not otherwise give.