One way to get the Bush tax cuts extended is to threaten...or at least that is apparently the way the Senate GOP is operating. They have sent a letter to Democrats that the government will be brought to a standstill unless they get what they want...not only an extension on Bush tax cuts but for less spending.

Is this the way to go? What do you think will be the outcome?

The whole rationale for extending the Bush tax cuts escapes me. Especially when the Dems are offering to limit the tax to those earning over 1 million a year, and that still isn't enough. One million dollars of income a year isn't enough? Oh, and by the way, forget about extending unemployment insurance to jobless workers. That might cost too much (how about taxing those millionaires to pay for it? God forbid!)
The trouble is that our politicians are all greedy millionaires, or else owe their souls to GMs, and we ordinary people are beneath their notice.

i see both sides of this, but....
on one hand, i can see where the VERY wealthy are getting away scot-free with paying little or no taxes, but on the other hand, i have seen people work all of their lives to earn the money they now have and now, just because they die and leave it to someone else, it's taxed again?
i believe the answer to all of it (inheritance AND income taxes) is to reform the way taxes are taken in the first place.
a flat tax...an across the board percentage of all earned income... would be fair to all. no exemptions. no back room deals. just pay your percentage. inheritance taxes should NOT be allowed as double taxation is already stipulated to be unconstitutional.
i know a lot of folks don't like the idea of a flat tax, but i'd like to see some serious consideration of it before someone talks you out of its advantages. any comments?

Aren't small business owners in this top category as well? I think the idea of the tax break is aimed at these folks in hopes they will hire new employees and help alleviate the unemployment problem. Corporations are in a different category.

Is this correct?