"In general, the art of government
consists in taking as much money as possible
from one party of the citizens to give to the other."
by:
Voltaire
[François Marie Arouet] (1694-1778) French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher
Date:
1764
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Reader comments about this quote:
 -- Anonymous      
I think such an art needs to be banished as obscene.
 -- jodopo, nassau     
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     -- Eugene T. King, New York, NY      
    Not much has changed in 250 years (or even 2500 years for that matter).
     -- Chicago     
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    But, if the quoted statement is true, then our government is extremely inspired and talented.
     -- David L. Rosenthal, Hollywood     
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     -- Anonymous      
    The Robin Hood syndrome.
     -- Logan, Memphis, TN     
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     -- Joe, Rochester, MI      
    Government doesn't take from one group to GIVE to another. Government takes from one group to BUY votes from another.
     -- Ken, Allyn, WA     
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    Or more appropriate today, the art of government consists in taking as much money as possible from the people and putting it into the bankers' pockets.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    True, and often a party and rarely an individual.
     -- Gölök Zoltán Leenderdt Franco Buday, Vancouver, GVRD(Paine Cnty), Coastal Lwr Mainland BC(State of Neo Sumer), U.S. of Eh!     
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    The government takes your money and then gives some of it back. It's like a person giving himself a transfusion by taking blood from one arm, putting in the other arm, and spilling half of it in the process.
     -- jim k, austin     
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    One of the defining noble principles that separated the original Constitutional Republic from the rest of the despotic world was this quote's implementation. That Republic is gone and Voltaire has called it again.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    Basically true and I find it so wonderful what government does with the money and a true blessing. The wonderful highways that we have in this country. Yesterday I was driving along the Rio Grande and taking pictures of the Fence being built. What a marvel of political will. The things of society like parks, street lights and everything else is a blessing and joy to our lives. Thank God for government and society that brings such good things to us. Did I mention our brave men and women in uniform who must be paid!
     -- Waffler, Smith     
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    Waffler, highways are one thing, handing over the wealth of our labor to international banking or any special interests is quite another thing altogether. Enjoy your make believe world of good government. I'm sure it gives you great comfort. Yes, the fence, nothing like closing the barn door after there are so many illegals in the country they can't possibly be deported. Good thinking government. My faith grows stronger every day that they are the hope of mankind. LoL
     -- Anon     
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    Waffler Hahhaha. Yes we are sure you are so happy that the government taxes and spends other people's money!
     -- Blue     
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    Actually, The Robin Hood Syndrome would be stealing from the Government and giving it to the poor.
     -- llbplayball, Anthemm AZ     
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    Blue- Waffler has wet dreams about government.
     -- warren, olathe     
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    llbplayball- But then Robin would be stealing from himself, which explains why he and the poor should have kept it in their pockets to begin with. Then there would be no need to steal at all. The government started the Robin Hood Syndrome by stealing in the first place.
     -- Anon     
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    read the book rich dad poor dad, im pretty sure the number 1 expense is tax and working 8 hours a day isnt gonna get you anywhere but the people in business get to deduct their taxes so its a no brainer on what you should be doing in life but you must do a business that you are truely passionate about ^^
     -- Mike, Toronto, Canada     
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    Hey guys, cut Waffler some slack. We need him for comic relief.
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
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    He forgot the part about government servants taking a large cut for themselves before sharing the spoils....
     -- Abby     
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