Plagiarize This: I Dare You!

Yes, plagiarize this article, I dare you!

There is currently a plagiarism scandal raging in Colorado involving former Senator Scott McInnis who is running for Governor.

First, let's be clear on my position on plagiarism. It is wrong and indefensible under any circumstances. There should be strict and serious consequences for stealing the intellectual work of another. McInnis should face whatever consequences come his way.

But this article is not about plagiarism. This article is about political BS, duplicity and double standards.

All those currently calling for the head of Scott McInnis, were strangely silent or even defended the perpetrator of an even more serious case of plagiarism. You see, a serial plagiarist is our current Vice President, Joe Biden.

Biden, while a US Senator was found guilty of numerous acts of plagiarism. For whatever reason, he meekly apologized and that was it. Many now calling for the political demise of Scott McInnis, strangely, defended Joe Biden.

Why weren't their acts of misconduct on par? One reason, politics. You see, if you are on the "right side" of things, you can get away with any manner of wrongdoing and it is defended and forgiven.

But have the temerity to be on the "wrong side" and you are doomed. I do not defend Scott McInnis here. I think his career in politics should be over. But if his career is done, then all those now calling for him to withdraw from politics should also be insisting on the immediate resignation of Joe Biden.

Isn't that what fairness means?

Too Rich to Live? - WSJ.com

This article from the Wall Street Journal is a graphic example of the issues we have been writing about now for two years. This is the disaster created by Congress. Why Congress has done this and refuses to fix this problem is anybody's guess. As one of the most famous estate planners in the US, Conrad Teitell has said, this is unconscionable.

Please let me know your thoughts about this article and this issue.

Too Rich to Live? - WSJ.com

Common Myths about Estate Planning & How to Avoid Them

Here are several common myths about estate planning. Let's review these and how to protect yourself and your family.

1. Estate planning is only for rich people. This the most prevalent myth about estate planning and probably the most dangerous. It is not true in any way. While wealthy people need estate planning like everyone else, they benefit from an a subset of estate planning that focuses solely on death taxes.

Protecting yourself and your family in the event of an unplanned illness; disability or death does not depend on how much money you have. The focus and estate planning tools to solve these issues are asset independent.

2. The Congress will solve the death tax problem. This is the current popular myth and also dangerous. It is now July and Congress has done nothing to solve the estate tax crises they created by not acting before the end of 2009 to extend the $3.5 million estate tax exemption. Not only does Congress show no interest in fixing the 2010 and 2011 disaster, they have announced that they have no plans to do so.

Relying on the government to solve your problems may be popular now, but it is very dangerous to you, your family and your property. Since there exist simple tools and strategies to solve this latest Congressional problem in estate planning, a good question is, why would you even believe that the government can fix this for you?

3. I don't have any assets so I don't need an estate plan. This myth is actually a case by case issue. It could be true only if all of the following are true for you:

A. You have no assets, no insurance, no retirement, no IRA or 401(k) and are permanently unemployed.

B. You have no family.

C. You don't care what happens to yourself if you are sick or incapacitated.

If you don't meet all of the above criteria, then an estate plan in some form is appropriate for you.

4. Estate planning is expensive. This myth is also untrue. Most people spend more money and time each year on their annual vacation then they spend in their lifetime on their estate plan. Many estate planning solutions are either free (a Living Will) or cost almost nothing when compared to the problems and crises that they solve.

I hope this article clears up these common estate planning myths for you. If you you have questions, please contact me. Our mission is to make the world better one estate plan at a time. Why not start your estate planning today? Now, that's a good question!

Bernie Greenberg