Unquestionably, there is progress. The average American now pays out twice as much in taxes as he formerly got in wages

Unquestionably, there is progress. The average American now pays out twice as much in taxes as he formerly got in wages

H.L. Mencken, a prominent American journalist and social critic, was known for his sharp wit and satirical commentary on American society and politics. One of his most famous quotes, "Unquestionably, there is progress. The average American now pays out twice as much in taxes as he formerly got in wages," reflects his cynical view of the government and its impact on the average citizen.

Mencken's statement highlights the increasing burden of taxes on the American people, suggesting that while there may be progress in some areas, it comes at a cost to the individual taxpayer. In Mencken's view, the government's voracious appetite for revenue has led to a situation where the average American is now paying more in taxes than they are earning in wages. This imbalance, according to Mencken, is a sign of the government's overreach and its tendency to exploit the working class for its own gain.

Mencken's critique of the tax system and its impact on the average American is a reflection of his broader skepticism of government power and authority. Throughout his career, Mencken was a vocal critic of political corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the erosion of individual liberties. His quote about taxes can be seen as a warning about the dangers of unchecked government power and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tax system.