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Posts from J. Perkins, New York, NY

J. Perkins, New York, NYJ. Perkins, New York, NY
J. Perkins, New York, NY

How about not purposefully misleading people in regard to what Jefferson wrote? The full quote is as follows:

To take from one, because it is thought that his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, "the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry, and the fruits acquired by it." If the overgrown wealth of an individual be deemed dangerous to the State, the best corrective is the law of equal inheritance to all in equal degree; and the better, as this enforces a law of nature, while extra-taxation violates it. -Jefferson, letter to Joseph Milligan, Apr. 6, 1816


The full context of the quote shows that Jefferson is actually talking about the the ill effects of inherited wealth on republican society. He says that if you're worried about the power of the rich, let everyone keep what they earn during their lifetime, but take it from them upon their death, as it's less unfair to take it from their children, who did not earn it.

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