It's really not that strange that inheritance is taxed. People get emotional about it because of death is involved. But in the end it's a matter of money changing hands - even if one of them is cold.
That might be. But that still doesn't change the fact that your children aren't you. If you're hire your son or daughter to work for you then they still have to pay taxes.
I don't like taxes anymore than the next guy. I just don't like the idea that Mr. X should be better of than Mr. Y because Mr. X's grand parents where more successful. You should be able to provide for your children, but it should not excuse them from participating in society themselves.
Mr. X will be better off then Mr. Y because his grand parents were concerned with his education, were able to provide guidance, had influence, were well respected, etc. Why do we allow all other forms of inequality than money?
yes, it should excuse them. if someone wants to bust their ass and make enough money that their children don't have to work hard that is their prerogative, one I would not try to take away from them.
the whole point of productive labor is that it excuses you from certain responsibilities. you choose to work above and beyond subsistence to excuse yourself from future work no? investment is deferred consumption. as PG says, starting a business is like compressing your whole working life into a few years. what is this if not excusing yourself from future responsibilities?
I find the whole notion of social contract theory to be deeply flawed, but that is a very long conversation.
