When a new source of taxation is found it never means, in practice, that the old source is abandoned. It merely means that the politicians have two ways of milking the taxpayer where they had one before.

When politicians discover a new way to collect taxes from citizens, it doesn't mean that they will stop using existing methods; rather, it means that they now have an additional avenue for extracting funds. Essentially, this suggests that the discovery of new tax sources does not lead to more efficient or targeted taxation but instead results in a broader range of ways to impose financial burdens on taxpayers.

This quote delves deeper into the relationship between government and its citizens, highlighting the often opaque motives behind new taxation policies. It implies that politicians frequently introduce additional taxes rather than refining existing ones, which can strain public finances without necessarily improving governance or public services. This perspective underscores a skepticism towards the intentions of those in power and encourages scrutiny when new tax initiatives are proposed.

H. L. Mencken was an American journalist, satirist, cultural critic, and scholar known for his wit and incisive commentary on politics and society. His quote encapsulates his cynical view of government and its relationship with citizens, reflecting a broader theme in his work about the complexities and sometimes dubious actions within political systems.

" When a new source of taxation is found it never means, in practice, that the old source is abandoned. It merely means that the politicians have two ways of milking the taxpayer where they had one before. " - H. L. Mencken

" When a new source of taxation is found it never means, in practice, that the old source is abandoned. It merely means that the politicians have two ways of milking the taxpayer where they had one before. "
- H. L. Mencken