Dems getting set to deal on repealing Estate Tax

So, apparently Chuck Schumer has been tabbed with an assignment to make a deal with Jon Kyl (one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate) on repealing the Estate Tax.

Could somebody please explain to me why we continue to allow Republicans to push through legislation to help the wealthiest 1% of this country?

We not only allow the Republicans to do this, we work with them. The Tax Cut packages. The Bankruptcy Bill. etc. etc.

Schumer to Deal

As noted on the front page right now, when Dems stand up to the Republicans, good things happen.

So, why aren't we standing up to them on this?

The article claims that the Estate Tax issue is hurting us in rural states. But, I'm sorry, I have a damn hard time believing that. The tax (before Bush and co started fiddling with it in 2001) provided for an exemption of 1 million dollars.

I have a hard time believing that we are losing elections in rural areas because enough people are pissed off about the Estate Tax. It simply doesn't affect enough people for it to be an election deciding issue. Somebody, please show me proof that Democrats have lost elections because of the Estate Tax. Please, show me that.

Or...do we still allow the Repubs to give breaks to the wealthiest 1% because the Dems (like Schumer) want the campaign contributions from the big donors?

This is what I suspect to be the real reason.
And it sucks. Because I've been a big fan of Harry Reid so far. But this I don't agree with.

Goddamnit, we proved in 2004, we don't need to depend on donations from millionaires. We can raise enough money from small donations.

Maybe, just maybe, if Democrats finally put their foot down, and stopped giving in to the wishes of the wealthiest 1% and showed themselves to be the party of the average joe voter, some more Democrats might actually start winning elections.

But, alas, it looks like business as usual.
Chuck and Harry want campaign contributions. Chuck and Harry sell out. Democracy in America. Ain't it grand?