Among the breaks expiring today, the payroll tax cut is second only to extended unemployment insurance in terms of its dollar-for-dollar power as an economic tonic.

FORBES: Happy Higher Payroll Taxes

Moreover, by controlling access to the insurance and setting the terms on which it was extended, it would provide another instrument to ensure that member states adhered consistently to the Stability and Growth Pact.

FORBES: Euro Leaders Face Important Decision On Function Of EFSF

We believe a plain reading of the terms in the life insurance contract signifies that the policy should have terminated and been converted to extended term insurance on several occasions before 2008.

FORBES: 1099s From Insurance Companies - Don't Ignore But Don't Take At Face Value Either