12/19/12 3:32 PM – No Progress on Fiscal Cliff?

Rep. Boehner said today that the negotiations over the so-called Fiscal Cliff are stalled. I doubt that behind the scenes they are completely stalled and still expect a last-minute deal before New Year’s. That will make it tough on the IRS, who needs to print and mail the correct tax tables.

At the same time, it is disconcerting that all the entitlement programs that make up 63% of the budget are off the table. It is also frustrating that President Obama insists on adding new spending that offsets the cuts he is proposing. Why is it so hard for so many in Washington to get the idea of cutting spending when you are borrowing 25% – 30% of all you spend each year?