The “fiscal cliff” we face as a nation is the result of many historical decisions to spend beyond our means, the unwillingness of most of us to think beyond our immediate personal and selfish interests, the lack of trust among various ethnic and economic groups in the country, the powerful influences of PACs and the politicians’ unwillingness to resist their money and influence, the gerrymandering of congressional districts to eliminate the historic political diversity in most of our districts, and the craving of our citizens for angry half sentences uttered on irresponsible blogs and 24-hour news outlets, rather than for thoughtful, respectful dialogue and debate by leaders looking for common solutions.

Big Answer: a nationwide spiritual revival.