Editorial Commentary

Invisible Spending

Just because you can't see tax expenditures doesn't mean they don't hurt.

April 12, 2014 12:32 a.m. ET

In this week of anxiety, guilt, and remorse focused on the federal income tax and the April 15 filing deadline, tax reform seems unattainable. The nation, or at least that part that pays taxes, remains resentful but powerless in the face of the oppressive system.

There are enough flaws in the income-tax system to spark a revolution, but like the levy itself, they were introduced so gradually that citizens adjusted to their new...