Isn't it time that the politicians work together?

According to Yahoo news, the president isn't willing to compromise with Republicans because he can blame them if we go over the fiscal cliff. I know it's a two party system, but what gives him the right to hold our economy hostage for political points? Would anyone else like to see both parties straighten out the mess they've created? Any ideas about how to go about it? How about a flat tax of 30% on every wage earner, from the paper boy right up through the billionaires. Everyone could then pay an equal share.