| The Colbert ReportMon | – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30cReturn | |||
| of the Estate Tax | ||||
|
||||
Because 10 years ago the Bush Administration played political games to eliminate federal Estate Taxes, reducing them gradual to ZERO in 2009 and then back to what they were overnight. So on January 1st, that REPUBLICAN GAME plays out and we revert back to the original 55% rate on anything more than $1 million dollars (which includes home values.)
The President and Democrats have been agreed to change that to 45% on estates over $3.5 million, even indicated they may compromise at 35% and $5 million.
But Republicans being what they are, want all or nothing. So they are going to leave it as it is out of selfishness and spite. Republicans are going to do what Republicans do.
The Frog and The Scorpion
One day a frog was sitting by the bank of the river enjoying the warm sun and cool breeze. It so happened that a scorpion approached him rather quickly as to inquire about crossing the river.
"Frog", said the scorpion, "I am in need of passage across the river upon your back. I am prepared to pay you with this mealworm that I have not eaten."
The frog thought about it for a moment, then replied "Scorpion, I know that if I grant you a ride across the river upon my back, you will poison me on the other side. For that alone I shall say ‘no thanks’."
"Frog", again said the scorpion, "Please, I have no wish to harm you, treasure chest I promise. I just need to go across the river to find more food. There is nothing left on this side for me to eat."
The frog thought about it again for a moment and then agreed to help the scorpion get across the river.
Half way across, the frog felt a rather sharp, stinging sensation in his back. The scorpion had stuck him with his venom. "SCORPION!", cried the frog, "You have killed me and you as well. Why have you done this?"
"Because I am a scorpion…and that is my nature."