“If the system [of taxation] be established on basis of Income . . .to step into the field of Consumption, and tax special articles [such] as broadcloth or homespun, wine or whiskey, a coach or a wagon, is doubly taxing the same article.”
. . because. . .
“That portion of Income with which these articles are purchased, having already paid its tax as Income, to pay another tax on the thing it purchased, is paying twice for the same thing;
Moreover,
“it is an aggrievance on the citizens who use these articles in exoneration of those who do not, contrary to the most sacred of the duties of a government, to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens."
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to Joseph Milligan, 6 April 1816)
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Memorial Edition, Lipscomb and Bergh, eds., vol. 14 (465)
Quote published today in "Founders' Quote Daily" by Publius Press
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