So why can't we do that here?

Some Americans want to get rid of the income tax altogether and replace it with a national sales tax called the "Fair Tax." It would tax people on what they spend, while poor Americans who can't afford the taxes would get monthly rebates. You'd never have to file another individual tax return again. Of course, there's a danger our venal politicians might end up just adding the sales tax to our existing income tax. But the Fair Tax is certainly worth talking about.

But here's a problem: Many in Congress don't really want to reform the tax code. They like things just the way they are. So what if it makes paying taxes a headache for you? It gives them the awesome power to dispense privileges, which helps curry favor with lobbyists.

Congressmen bicker over who gets to hand out these special treats. In 2004, Sen. Olympia Snowe deplored the "financial burden on shipbuilders," many of whom happen to operate in her home state of Maine, and got them a $310 million tax break. Alaskan Sen. Lisa Murkowski got her state a tax break on contributions for "charitable" whaling activities (whatever that means). And Sen. Saxby Chambliss demanded tax relief for the timber industry in Georgia.

So while business gets its tax breaks and congressmen get their campaign contributions, your spring weekend is devoted to wading through Form 1040 instructions.

Next year, you'll have to wade though even more pages. Each new tax break and every little favor adds to the complexity. The code and its explanations now total more than 66,000 pages. In the last six years, the IRS has created over 100 new tax forms.

This isn't good for America. Or you.