The income tax created more criminals than any other single act of government.

The quote by Barry Goldwater expresses his strong opposition to the income tax and its consequences. Goldwater, a prominent American politician and conservative icon, argues that the introduction of the income tax has led to an increase in criminal behavior. His point is that the complexity and burdens of the tax system encourage people to engage in illegal activities, such as tax evasion, in order to avoid the financial strain imposed by the government.

Goldwater’s statement reflects his belief that the income tax is an oppressive mechanism that undermines individual freedoms. He suggests that by imposing such a tax, the government creates a system where people feel forced to break the law in order to protect their financial well-being. His criticism is rooted in the notion that the tax system is overly complicated, leaving many individuals and businesses in a position where they may unknowingly or intentionally violate the law to comply with the tax code.

The origin of this quote lies in Goldwater’s political philosophy, which emphasized limited government and personal responsibility. As a staunch advocate for conservative economic policies, he believed that taxes, especially income taxes, were a form of government overreach that hindered individual autonomy. Goldwater's views were also shaped by his opposition to the New Deal and the expanding role of the federal government, which he felt undermined the free market and individual liberty.

Ultimately, Goldwater’s words serve as a critique of the income tax as an instrument of government control that he believed incentivized criminality rather than promoting fairness or economic prosperity. His perspective reflects a broader conservative argument against high taxes and the intrusiveness of the tax system, calling for a simpler, less burdensome approach to taxation that respects individual freedoms and limits government intervention.