[Swiss]

It wasn't cuts in spending that balanced the budget. I would hazard a guess that the budget in the 1920's was greater than before World War I. In 1920 the nation had the largest debt at that time and was in recession. Using your logic we would of maintained taxes or increased them. The Republicans cut them sharply and caused the economy to grow. The key to reducing the debt is to help the economy.

The Estate Tax only brings in 1.4% of government revenues. It is something like 60 Billion dollars a year which is pocket change in Washington. On the other hand by moving money from estate lawyers and trusts and the Federal Government to more productive economic uses such as reinvestment into the farms and businesses would cause increase business activity which would mean more government taxes. There is a good chance that eliminating the estate tax would bring in at least double the estate tax revenue in other taxes.

[goodnesswins]

FINALLY.....You need to direct your post to A CA GUY....he needs help...as does Mamzelle

[A CA Guy]

Yes, now the estate tax brings in only a little amount, but we are about to have a massive jump in people dying and after 2009 there will probably not be as large a deduction.

Now it is 2 million, was 1.5 last year and I think it goes to 4 million or so by 2009 before it disappears.

If it wasn't going for the National Debt, they'd be taking it for SS I would think to make it solvent.

I do IMO see the government collecting it in the future and that the income to the government will grow quite a bit.
What they do with what they get is a big issue IMO.

Could be a chance also in what you said that if they remove it, maybe other good things will happen like more businesses starting up. Maybe!!!