Chevys, Cadillacs, millionaires, etc.
Daily Kos, and specifically editors mcjoan and kos, the site's founder besides, are taking a hardish line with some of the Senate items in the health care bill. Specifically, what most call the "Cadillac tax" on the most expensive health insurance policies is renamed the "Chevy tax," either to suggest those policies are in fact not so extravagant, or a nod to the fact that many labor unions including those in Detroit have long bargained out better health care in lieu of hourly wage increases. Possibly it's a nod to both.
My understanding of the beliefs of the wonks who I follow, is that the excise tax -- to remove car makes from the debate entirely -- is among the best ways of "bending the curve," which is the imperative. Something has to give, and taxing benefits above a pretty high line -- $10k, I think $23k -- is not an unconscionable affront to the American way, etc.
P.S., estate taxes are taxes on transfers of wealth, not dying. I wish we could agree on what's appropriate in language.