Joshua, thanks for the link showing us some specific numbers.

I've always been confused by the whole "double taxation" argument used to defend gutting taxes on inheritances and stock dividends. The backpack I have taken to classes for the past three years is starting to shred. Before September, I'll have to buy a new one. When I do, I can expect to pay a tax....on the same income I already paid taxes on. Two days ago, I sent in my phone bill and there was a tax charge on that as well....on top of the taxes I already had withheld from paycheck. With the exception of food items, a tax is incurred every time there is a transfer of ownership. Perhaps that is unfair. But should we accept the premise that the only transfer of ownership that should NOT be subject to taxation is when multi-millionaires shift their assets to heirs and heiresses?

If only half as much indignation that is given to the "death tax" (which affects a few hundred heirs and heiresses) could be given to the "birth tax"....the nearly $20,000 bill every newborn receives as their share of the national debt.