The present tax codes inhibit the mobility and formation of capital, add complexities and inequities which undermine the morale of the taxpayer, and make tax avoidance rather than market factors a prime consideration in too many economic decisions.
Interpretation
Tax codes can create obstacles for capital movement and formation, complicating the economic landscape for taxpayers.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy expresses concern about the negative effects of complex tax codes on economic decisions. He suggests that rather than fostering a fair and motivating environment for taxpayers, these codes can lead to a focus on tax avoidance strategies, ultimately distorting market behaviors and undermining public morale.
In practice
In a speech about economic reform, one might use this quote to highlight the need for tax code simplification.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
It is credit that matters, not money (in other words, monetarism is a false ideology).
No government can give a selective advantage to a specific company, because that would make competition unfair.
It is inherent in the nature of the capitalistic economy that, in the final analysis, the employment of the factors of production is aimed only toward serving the wishes of consumers.
Markets can influence the events that they anticipate.
All money is a matter of belief.
War can really cause no economic boom, at least not directly, since an increase in wealth never does result from destruction of goods.
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