Congress Quote by Milton Friedman
“Congress can raise taxes because it can persuade a sizable fraction of the populace that somebody else will pay”
About This Quote
Source Book: Capitalism and Freedom, 1962
Governments can raise taxes by convincing people that others will bear the cost, exploiting collective belief.
In simple terms: Tax hikes rely on shifting responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Beware manipulation in tax policy.
Themes
taxation
politics
psychology
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- public debates
- policy proposals
- budget negotiations
Key Concepts
Collective responsibility
public persuasion
fiscal policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do leaders justify tax increases?
- What mechanisms prevent exploitation of collective belief?
A Different Perspective
Public may resist when they see unfair burden.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
![“As the longest serving Independent in the history of the United States Congress, as somebody who came into office by defeating an incumbent Democratic mayor in Burlington, Vermont, I know something about third party politics. And I respect Jill [Stein].” quote by Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/94c/bernie-sanders-233_congress_as-the-longest-serving-independent-in-th_10777.jpg)
