Cheap food Quote by Will Rogers
“The sales tax is the best and most equitable tax. The gasoline tax, which is nothing but a sales tax, has proven painless, productive and punitive. Everything we buy should have its equal proportion of tax, outside of cheap food and cheap clothes.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public commentary, early 20th century, United States
The author argues that a uniform sales tax, including on gasoline, is fair and efficient, exempting only essential low‑cost items.
In simple terms: A broad sales tax is fair, except for cheap necessities.
Key Takeaway
Consider a balanced tax system.
Themes
tax policy
fairness
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
policy
economic
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- policy debate
- consumer pricing
- government revenue
Key Concepts
progressive vs regressive taxation
public finance
Questions to Reflect On
- How would exemptions affect equity?
- What alternatives exist for fair taxation?
A Different Perspective
Uniform taxes may burden low‑income households despite exemptions.
![“The pandering and ignorance-across-party-lines represented by the John McCain-Hillary Clinton united front for a temporary reduction in the gasoline tax should make Americans hold their heads in their hands and moan [...] Please. This is embarrassing. It makes me long for the good old days of…” quote by James Fallows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/168/james-fallows-13576_clinton_the-pandering-and-ignorance-across-party_2014310.jpg)
