If inequalities of taxable wealth backing up a government service are construed as denying equality before the law, then there is no solution but to have every government service whatever financed out of Washington.

In this quote, M. Stanton Evans, an American journalist and conservative political commentator, addresses the concept of inequalities of taxable wealth and their impact on equality before the law. He argues that if disparities in the wealth used to fund government services are viewed as a violation of equality, the only possible solution would be to have all government services funded uniformly from a centralized source, such as Washington. In essence, Evans is suggesting that if inequality in how services are funded is seen as unjust, then the federal government must take full control of the financing of services to ensure equality.

Evans’ statement reflects a critique of the idea that local or state-level wealth inequalities should not affect access to public services. He implies that wealth disparities can lead to uneven quality or availability of services across different regions, which undermines the principle of equal justice for all. By proposing that all services be financed from Washington, he is pointing to the potential for a uniform distribution of resources, which would theoretically eliminate regional disparities in government support.

The quote also touches on a deeper philosophical and political debate about the role of the federal government versus state governments in ensuring equality. Evans is raising the question of whether decentralized funding for services leads to unequal access, and whether a more centralized approach would be more effective in achieving fairness across the country. His suggestion challenges the idea of state sovereignty by proposing that nationalization of funding could ensure that all citizens, regardless of their state or locality, are treated equally.

The origin of this quote is rooted in M. Stanton Evans' long-standing advocacy for conservative principles, particularly his support for limited government and his views on the structure of American federalism. As a writer and commentator, Evans frequently explored the dynamics between state rights and federal power, and this quote reflects his concern with how financial inequalities could affect equality under the law. It also highlights his belief that government services should be delivered in a way that treats all citizens equally, regardless of local wealth disparities.