Posted on 08/13/2008 9:25:07 AM PDT by Reaganesque
First of all, let me say that I do not wish Ted Kennedy dead. I am not a fan of his but no one should wish such a thing upon another, regardless of past history.
That said, Mr. Kennedy's recent diagnosis of a brain tumor brings up all sorts of political questions, many of which have been discussed here. One such issue is/will be will the Kennedy family pay estate taxes on Uncle Ted's fortune when he passes on? Based on recent family history, the chances of that happening aren't good.
In 1994, during Ted's Senate run against Mitt Romney, his mother Rose passed away. Despite the fact that Rose had never left the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis, MA in the 10 years prior to her death, the Kennedy family had her state residency moved from MA that had an estate tax to FL which did not. Despite building a career of demanding that the rich pay their fair share, Mr. Kennedy and his family, chose not to pay theirs when it was their turn.
Now, understand, what they did was legal and using tax laws to your benefit is the smart thing to do. However, when one makes a career of telling other people to pay certain taxes but then refuses to do so personally, that is hypocrisy. We shall see if the Kennedy family will walk the walk when Uncle Ted passes on or, as they have in the past, will they pass on their chance to practice what Senator Kennedy preached?
I'm shocked!
IIRC, there is a Kennedy trust [not established by the pantaloonless Senator from Hyannisport].
The Kennedy family has a long uninterrupted history of, corruption, ineptness, moral turpitude, and inability to control skis or motorized vehicles. So what’s new? They alone are a good reason to bomb Ireland (kidding, of course - about the bombing)
Remember Ted’s reaction to the proposal for a wind farm off Cape Cod. He was unceasing in his condemnation of the plan that would supply cheap power, but despoil the vistas and take away from those who sail in those waters, which are visited mostly by the wealthy liberal elites. Better to place the farm off Jones Beach on Long Island. Those views are scene mostly by the families of the middle class seeking some fun in the sun. One need not worry about such people’s aesthetics.
Both richest men in america have also advocated the government retain the death tax while taking care to make sure their estates will never be subjected to estate taxes. Both men continue to divest themselves of their massive wealth through bequests to the Gates Foundation (tax exempt) Trust. But they are portrayed as being generous and selfless in their advocacy.
You mean he doesn’t have a trust set up giving everything to Mary Jo’s family?
From some deep past discussion on FR (I think) that Teddy has moved all of his wealth off shore to avoid paying Taxes. Maybe someone with a better memory than mine can shed some light on this issue. Oh, and I can voice negative comments about this tub of hypocrisy. I also have Cancer Stage 4 and I am also battling it ala Tony Snow mode. I hope with class and style.
Kennedy is a worthless piece of Carbon Dioxide emitting trash. As soon as he is planted, we should build some off shore windmills and name them after him with a tongue in cheek.
Sorry to hear about your battle with cancer...may God be with you. Pax vobiscum.
I feel very sorry for the Kopechnes.
Dynasty trust established by Joe Kennedy back in the day. No Kennedy will EVER pay Federal Estate Taxes on that fortune. They may squander it all away, but no taxes.
Taxes for thee but not for me.
In February of 2003, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer. The upper end of the life expectancy was supposed to be 2 years and three months. Still kicking and screaming. I just started a new job at age 64. God isn’t ready for me yet. He has some more work for me to do right here. I’ve been called on by some Cancer organizations to counsel some new cancer patients and give them a positive frame of reference as being an example that the numbers are sometime wrong.
After three tours in Viet Nam and married to the same wonderful woman for 37 years; I’m one tough bastard.
Best of well-wishes and prayers are with you.
Ditto here. I am stage #4 also. Beginning of June, I was given 6-months to a year and a second opinion of 3-6 months. I hope the first one is correct.
Thanks to our great health care system, neither I nor my wife, kids or rest of family have to worry about estate taxes after my death.
You will have a name when we meet soon!:)
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