If the recent political campaigns weren’t enough to give America a bad reputation around the world, now comes verbal flaps over the “fiscal cliff.” And how we handle it might well hold global implications.

While some experts say the automatic tax hikes and spending cuts, worth $640 billion, will throw the U.S. economy into another recession and cost the average taxpayer $2,000 per year, others say let it happen. It’s the medicine that a spend- happy nation needs, they will avow.

We don’t claim to know the answers to this Jan. 1 sequester that was caused by contrary Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill who refused to unite and keep it from happening. The president also showed little leadership in pulling the two sides together.

What we do know is this: Continued bickering between House and Senate leaders, and encouraged by an obstinate White House, will pull down our economy faster than anything specific they may formulate.

Cooperation among the two parties, and the legislative and executive branches, will be noted around the world. European and Asian investors surely must be watching to see how the strongest nation on earth, the United States of America, reacts to its own financial challenges.

They are watching to see how America will respond to an election that was replete with lies and personal accusations. And they almost assuredly will turn away if the political swaggering, posturing and inner-family feuds persist.

If these political leaders would spend $6 billion (that’s how much they spent on the 2012 elections) on a campaign that uplifted American industries, American-made products, success stories and innovations, it might boost this nation’s sagging reputation around the world.

Every country on earth looks to the U.S. for a beacon of light. They want to see us succeed. They want to do business with us. Some have money to invest, but they worry about the lack of unity they’re seeing in our leaders.

Since America’s founding 236 years ago, partisan murmurs and post-election hand-wringing have dealt severe blows to the nation’s resolve.

Shame on us.

We are a nation blessed by our Creator, living in peace, able to speak our minds and pursue happiness to our souls’ content. We are spoiled. There are nations in this world that would celebrate finding the very food we take to the landfill each day. Our issues are so petty.

Yet, there is so much good in our nation.

That’s why our leaders — those who bicker and debunk one another — have a huge responsibility to make a positive difference, if they only will accept such roles.

They all need to buck up, get happy and give us examples that can be honored as we all try to find our ways to a better future.

The world is watching. So are we. And our children and grandchildren.