Agriculture Quote by Will Rogers
“Millions and millions of people don't pay an income tax, because they don't earn enough to pay on one, but you pay a land tax whether it ever did or ever will earn you a penny. You should pay on things that you buy outside of bare necessities. I think this sales tax is the best tax we have had in years.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address by Will Rogers, 1935
He argues that income tax is unfair to low earners, while land and sales taxes are more equitable, suggesting taxes should target consumption beyond necessities.
In simple terms: Tax consumption, not income, for fairness.
Key Takeaway
Consider tax reform focused on spending.
Themes
fairness
taxation
economics
Mood
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- policy advocacy
- personal finance
- government budgeting
Key Concepts
progressive tax
public finance
social equity
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the trade‑offs of consumption versus income taxes?
- How would essential goods be defined?
A Different Perspective
His view may ignore complexities of tax revenue needs.
![“It is easier to start taxes than to stop them. A tax an inch long can easily become a yard long. That has been the history of the income tax. Would not the sales tax be likely to have a similar history [in the U.S.]? ... Canadian newspapers report that an increase in the sales tax threatens to…” quote by B. C. Forbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9c6/b-c-forbes-2124_administration_it-is-easier-to-start-taxes-than-to-stop_2527606.jpg)
