Benjamin Franklin Quote 

"It would be thought a hard government
that should tax its people one tenth part."

by:
Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790) US Founding Father
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Reader comments about this quote:
Unless you live in a socialist utopia... then out of moral obligation no one should ever receive more than one tenth-- so long as it's redistributed to the poor, and the big-bad corporations or King George don't get their hands on it; otherwise, that would be harsh and unjust. It's much more noble and morally justifiable to be coerced than to freely give.
 -- Logan, Memphis, TN
 
Only when the government misuses our money for unConstitutional purposes, like welfare, with the intent to engage in social engineering, wealth redistribution, and vote buying do they need more then ten percent.
 -- helorat, Milton
 
BF spoke in a time when those of great wealth lived in homes that are quite modest by today's standards, in a time when great projects were minor undertakings by today's standards, in a time when the wealthy actually helped the poor unlike today. Times and needs change. That which does not change with the times will die with the times.
 -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US
 
If 10% is enough for God, it's enough for government.
 -- Joe, Rochester, MI
 
well said helorat and A from Reston, you never cease to amaze me, bringing a great big smile to my face. I lived in a home in a neighborhood of homes (era standard) that stood when the Constitution was signed and that make most homes today seem quite modest. No government project should ever exceed one tenth part (and that is when that sum of local, state, federal, etc. is added up in total)
 -- Mike, Norwalk
 
Reston, what world do you live in? You make a poor argument for excessive and unconstitutional taxation. I'm sure Reston would have been a Loyalist in 1776 -- he sure does not respect Independence. We are so used to being under the thumb of socialist rule, many can't imagine being taxed less than 35% -- 50% in the top 10 UN countries. We have come a long way baby...
 -- E Archer, NYC
 
It is a hard government indeed: a government that taxes for the purpose of punishment and reward to a collection of trained work animals. That's what we are to government.
 -- Ken, Allyn, WA
 
Benjamin Franklin is correct. Even the church knows better, yet it survives. Fair Taxation is a vital issue. Congressman John Linder is leading the charge. We have got to get this ship turned around.
 -- Nancy, Marion, OH
 
Nancy I agree, the fair tax would have helped, but alas...I think if ten is good enough for God then the Government should learn how to use it too. Our FF never used the Government as their jobs. They were writers and inventors. That was their income. Why do we have to pay such enormous salaries for public servants? That and all these pork projects is where our money goes. I would just be happy with the price of gas coming down below 4.
 -- Marie, Alabama
 
Anonymous, who helps the poor today, if not the wealthy? I don't see the poor helping the poor, nor the wealthy. In fact, todays poor would likely be envied by the 18th Century wealthy. Stop whining and take care of yourself. Your a big boy/girl now. Stop expecting someone else to take care of you. You most likely believe it is immoral for me to not help you, however real immorality is to make me work for something and have your government steal it from me to give to you.
 -- Ken, Cincinnati
 
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