Is the Fiscal Cliff Debate Going to Teach Anyone Anything?

We're approaching the "fiscal cliff." The press is having a field day with it. Needless to say, so are politicians.

For example there's that big bogeyman: Recession. Supposedly we'll slip into one if the government drives off the fiscal cliff; conversely, we'll avoid one if a compromise is reached. But is that true? The fact is, we could very well be in a recession right now, something we've already discussed.

But what about this recent commentary from Senator Rob Portman, former Director of the office of Management and Budget?

Instead of merely piling higher tax rates on top of our inefficient tax code, the president should agree to join with Congress in pursuing individual and corporate tax reform, 

Join Congress? You mean Congress has been pursuing individual and corporate tax reform all this time? Sorry that I missed it. I must have been busy working so that I could afford to support my family after the government takes all those taxes from what I earn.

...including eliminating outdated preferences that often benefit the well-connected.

Do the well-connected include Congressman and government bureaucrats, or is he just talking about "the rich" here?

A simpler, fairer tax code for everyone will also increase productivity, thus creating badly needed jobs and economic opportunity.

How long have we heard about a "simpler, fairer tax code"? So now they're really going to go for it?

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