Public officers are the servants and agents of the people, to execute the laws which the people have made.
Grover ClevelandRead
When more of the people's sustenance is exacted through the form of taxation than is necessary to meet the just obligations of government and expenses of its economical administration, such exaction becomes ruthless extortion and a violation of the fundamental principles of free government.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Excessive taxation beyond what is necessary for government functions is a form of exploitation.
In this quote, Grover Cleveland emphasizes the need for a fair taxation system that only demands what is necessary to fund the essential functions of government. He warns against the dangers of over-taxation, suggesting that when the government's demand exceeds its legitimate needs, it becomes an unjust act that violates the core principles of freedom and democracy.
Themes
TaxationGovernmentFreedomExploitationJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about fiscal policy, one could use this quote to argue against excessive taxes.
More from Grover Cleveland
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Though the people support the government; the government should not support the people.
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Your every voter, as surely as your chief magistrate, exercises a public trust.
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It is the responsibility of the citizens to support their government. It is not the responsibility of the government to support its citizens.
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Once the coffers of the federal government are opened to the public, there will be no shutting them again.
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