If the U.S. does go over the fiscal cliff, it won't just affect Americans, but Canadians too and Grover Norquist will be largely responsible. The founder of Americans for Tax Reform is known for his staunch position on taxes and had, prior to the U.S. election in November, convinced 95% of the Republican Members of Congress to sign his Taxpayer Protection Pledge that opposes marginal increases in income tax rates for individuals and businesses. However, as the fiscal cliff – and with it the possibility of another recession – draws near, a slew of Republicans have backed off from the pledge and no newly elected Republicans have signed it. But, if the Democrats and Republicans can't come to consensus and the fiscal cliff becomes unavoidable, than it will likely be because the majority of Republicans in Congress refuse to raise taxes, which will place the blame at least partially on the shoulders of Norquist as the mastermind.