It isn't the super-rich like Buffet who are harmed by the Death Tax. In fact, many of them pay none at all!
Some of the very wealthy disdainfully regard it as a tax for "the working family businesses", to pay, not for people of their stature....and they have the means to avoid it!
The Death Tax has crippled many family businesses, some to the point they could no longer maintain a viable business and had to sell. What a bitter pill, to have to pay Death tax after the family and the business has paid more than a fair share of local, state, and federal taxes for the entire life of the business.
Unfortunately, such a business often sells to a bigger outfit, contrary to some who believe family businesses big enough to pay a Death Tax SHOULD be divided up to allow more people a chance to have such a business.
I like Senator John Thunes' point of view on Estate Tax; "Death should not be a taxable event".
mrj