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Land taxes is the thing. They got so high that there is no…

“Land taxes is the thing. They got so high that there is no chance to make anything. Not only land but all property tax. You see in the old days, why the only thing they knew how to tax was land, or a house. Well, that condition went along for quite awhile, so even today the whole country tries to…” quote by Will Rogers
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“Land taxes is the thing. They got so high that there is no chance to make anything. Not only land but all property tax. You see in the old days, why the only thing they knew how to tax was land, or a house. Well, that condition went along for quite awhile, so even today the whole country tries to run its revenue on taxes on land. They never ask if the land makes anything. "It's land ain't it? Well tax it then."”

Will Rogers

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

High land and property taxes stifle productivity and discourage investment, as revenue is demanded regardless of output.

In simple terms: Taxes on land can hinder creation if not linked to productivity.

Key Takeaway

Consider tax reforms that tie revenue to value creation.

Themes

taxation economics productivity government land use

Mood

critical reflective

Type

political economic

When to use this quote

  • urban development
  • agricultural investment
  • small business planning
  • government budgeting

Key Concepts

public finance incentive structures economic efficiency

Questions to Reflect On

  • How could tax policy balance revenue needs with encouraging growth?
  • What alternatives exist to land taxes that still fund public goods?
A Different Perspective

High taxes may fund essential services, making reduction politically challenging.

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