with all the intelligence available one would think those who govern could very easily confirm what % of those earning more than $250K are in fact small business owners.

It is all nothing more than political terminology and positioning. Extending the Bush tax cut is not a tax reduction. It simply means you are taxed tomorrow at the same rate as yesterday.
However if allowed to expire at the end of the year then there will be a change upwards in the amount of taxes paid by those affected.

Business capable folks could solve the problem with one days effort. Politicians as evidenced by past experience and business as usual are capable of solving absolutely nothing.

Re elect no one......Washington needs an enema in the worst way.

btk