Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery

Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was known for his strong stance on limited government and fiscal responsibility. He believed in the principles of small government and low taxes, and famously stated that "collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery." This quote encapsulates Coolidge's belief that excessive taxation is a form of government overreach and infringement on individual liberty.

Coolidge's views on taxation were shaped by his belief in the importance of limited government intervention in the economy. He believed that high taxes hindered economic growth and stifled individual initiative. In his view, excessive taxation not only deprived individuals of their hard-earned income but also discouraged investment and entrepreneurship. Coolidge believed that a government that collected more taxes than necessary was essentially taking money from its citizens without their consent, akin to robbery.

During his presidency, Coolidge implemented policies aimed at reducing government spending and lowering taxes. He believed that a lean government was essential for promoting economic prosperity and individual freedom. Coolidge's commitment to fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention earned him a reputation as a staunch advocate for small government and low taxes.

Coolidge's views on taxation continue to resonate today, as debates over tax policy and government spending remain central to political discourse. Many proponents of limited government and fiscal conservatism cite Coolidge's belief that excessive taxation is a form of legalized robbery. They argue that high taxes not only burden individuals and businesses but also impede economic growth and innovation.