Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery.

In this quote, Calvin Coolidge argues that collecting more taxes than what is absolutely necessary is a form of legalized robbery. He suggests that when governments impose excessive taxes on individuals or businesses, it becomes a form of taking people's money under the guise of legality, without providing fair value in return. Coolidge's statement reflects his belief in limited government and a fiscal policy that avoids unnecessary burdens on the people.

Coolidge’s perspective aligns with his political philosophy, which emphasized economic conservatism and individual freedom. As a proponent of a smaller government, Coolidge believed that taxation should be kept to a minimum and that people should retain more of their earnings. His quote suggests that when governments overstep in their tax policies, they violate the principle of fairness and infringe upon the rights of citizens.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Coolidge's time as the 30th President of the United States, during which he advocated for reducing government spending and cutting taxes. He believed that the best way to stimulate the economy was to allow businesses and individuals more financial freedom, rather than burdening them with excessive taxes. Coolidge’s focus on tax reduction and economic growth was central to his administration's policies.

Ultimately, Coolidge’s quote highlights his belief in fiscal responsibility and the importance of protecting citizens from what he saw as government overreach. His assertion that excessive taxes are akin to theft reflects a broader conservative viewpoint that government intervention should be limited and carefully regulated to protect individual rights and promote economic prosperity.