For Immediate Release – May 16, 2001

Contact: Robert Baron (aka Matt)

617-423-2148 x36

Betsy Leondar-Wright

(617) 423-2148 x13



Billionaires Applaud Buy-Partisan Plan to End Estate Tax

As the Senate debates the .35 trillion tax cut package, Billionaires for Unlimited Inheritance, a coalition of the mega-rich, are urging the Senate to pass the measure without delay. They are particularly pleased that the legislation on the floor will abolish the estate tax, thus helping them to keep vast wealth accumulating within their families for generations. The only potential pitfall the billionaires can imagine in this profitable scheme would be if the rabble call their Senators to object.

At the Republican and Democratic conventions this summer, the Billionaires were out in full force, holding a Million Billionaire March to demonstrate their influence over the candidates and show off their fiscal prowess. They were featured in the Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Globe, BBC, Time Magazine, and several major networks in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Once the election season was over, the Billionaires began to focus on winning tax cuts for themselves, particularly the abolition of the estate tax. "A tax aimed at the top 2% is a tax aimed at us," said co-chair Phil T. Rich. "We’ve paid far too much in campaign contributions to pay these taxes as well!"

"Moreover," added co-chair Robert Baron, "how can we cultivate a sense of entitlement in our children if we can’t promise them massive untaxed inheritances?"

Rich added that the cooperation of both parties has proved vital in the tax package’s progress thus far. "Four Democratic Senators supported this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. It shows the wisdom of our buy-partisan strategy of buying both Democrats and Republicans. This way, we always win!"

Baron concluded that all looked rosy for the billionaires, as long as no lowly constituents call their Senators today at (202) 224-3121 to urge them to preserve the estate tax. "I suppose that a large upsurge of opposition from the rabble could get in our way," said Baron. "It would be a real problem if many of them were to call Senator Feinstein at (202) 224-3841. But we trust that no one will bother to call their Senators. There are good programs on TV this week, and we urge everyone to watch those instead!"

Representatives of Billionaires for Unlimited Inheritance are always available for interviews. More information about the organization is available at the website www.billionairesforunlimitedinheritance.com.

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Billionaires for Unlimited Inheritance is a non-partisan spoof created by United for a Fair Economy to draw attention to the connection between estate tax repeal, campaign finance, and economic inequality.