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June 17, 2009

Quick Quote: Thomas Jefferson on wealth redistribution

And now, a word from the founder of the Democratic Party:

"To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it."

-- Thomas Jefferson, letter to Joseph Milligan, 1816

Reference: Vindicating the Founders, West (136); original Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Bergh, ed., vol. 14 (466)


(Found at Patriot Post)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What does that have to do with anything? Are you trying to suggest that taxes are some sort of wealth redistribution program? Taxes are taxes.

Tim said...

If everybody paid taxes, and at the same rate, then I would say No, taxes aren't a wealth redistribution program.

But when nearly all taxes are paid by people in upper income brackets, and the majority of the taxes collected are then doled out to people who pay little or no taxes... what else would you call it besides wealth redistribution?