Amendments Quote by William Howard Taft
“I prefer an income tax, but the truth is I am afraid of the discussion which will follow and the criticism which will ensue if there is an other division in the Supreme Court on the subject of the income tax. Nothing has injured the prestige of the Supreme Court more than that last decision, and I think that many of the most violent advocates of the income tax will be glad of the substitution in their hearts for the same reasons. I am going to push the Constitutional amendment, which will admit an income tax without questions, but I am afraid of it without such an amendment.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the American Bar Association, 1916
He fears tax debate and Supreme Court criticism, urging a constitutional amendment for income tax acceptance.
In simple terms: Fear of tax debate and court criticism.
Key Takeaway
Push for constitutional amendment to legitimize income tax.
Themes
taxation
law
political risk
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- legislative sessions
- public hearings
- tax reform campaigns
- legal education
Key Concepts
Constitutional amendment
judicial independence
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the risks of avoiding tax reform?
- How can public opinion shape tax policy?
A Different Perspective
Amendments are hard to achieve.
![“What I am anxious to do is to get the best bill possible with the least amount of friction… I wish to avoid [splitting our party]. I shall do all in my power to retain the corporation tax as it is now and also force a reduction of the [tariff] schedules. It is only when all other efforts fail that…” quote by William Howard Taft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07b/william-howard-taft-3006_amount_what-i-am-anxious-to-do-is-to-get-the-be_41279.jpg)
