Quotes for 28 Apr 17

“The collection of any taxes which are not absolutely required, which do not beyond reasonable doubt contribute to the public welfare, is only a species of legalized larceny. Under this republic the rewards of industry belong to those who earn them. The only constitutional tax is the tax which ministers to public necessity. The property of the country belongs to the people of the country. Their title is absolute. They do not support any privileged class; they do not need to maintain great military forces; they ought not to be burdened with a great array of public employees.” -Calvin Coolidge, Inaugural Address, March 4, 1925, The Mind of the President p. 108-109; Messages and Papers of the Presidents p. 9486 https://coolidgefoundation.org/quote/quotations-t/ 

“A government which lays taxes on the people not required by urgent public necessity and sound public policy is not a protector of liberty, but an instrument of tyranny. It condemns the citizen to servitude. One of the first signs of the breaking down of a free government is a disregard by the taxing power of the right of the people to their own property. It makes little difference whether such a condition is brought about through will of a dictator, through the power of a military force, or through the pressure of an organized minority. The result is the same. Unless thepeople can enjoy that reasonable security in the possession of their property, which is guaranteed in the Constitution, against unreasonable taxation, freedom is at an end. The common man is restrained and hampered in his ability to secure food and clothing and shelter. His wages are decreased, his hours are lengthened. Against the recurring tendency in this direction there must be interposed the constant effort of an informed electorate and of patriotic public servants. The importance of a constant reiteration of these principles cannot be overestimated.” -Calvin Coolidge, At Memorial Continental Hall, June 30, 1924; The Mind of the President p. 113, Foundations of the Republic p. 40-41 

https://coolidgefoundation.org/quote/quotations-t/