Political Quotes

“Inherited economic power is as inconsistent with the ideals of this generation as inherited political power was inconsistent with the ideals of the generation which established our government. If ever our people become so sordid as to feel that all that counts is moneyed prosperity, ignoble well-being, effortless ease and comfort, then this Nation shall perish as it will deserve to perish from this earth. Those are the bold words of a Republican, a different mold of Republican than we find today, one named Teddy Roosevelt who was the person who first proposed the estate tax in 1906 that this new crowd of Republicans is so intent on mislabeling as the 'death tax.' Teddy Roosevelt's words ring as true at the beginning of this new century as they did when they were uttered at the beginning of the last. This bill should rightfully be called the 'Billionaire Protection Act.' Treasury Secretary Summers said yesterday that this represents 'the most regressive tax bill' he has ever seen. That is because 95 percent of the benefits go to the richest 1 percent of the decedents.”