“It would be thought a hard government that should tax its people one tenth part.”

Unless you live in a socialist utopia... then out of moral obligation no one should ever receive more than one tenth-- so long as it's redistributed to the poor, and the big-bad corporations or King George don't get their hands on it; otherwise, that would be harsh and unjust. It's much more noble and morally justifiable to be coerced than to freely give.

Only when the government misuses our money for unConstitutional purposes, like welfare, with the intent to engage in social engineering, wealth redistribution, and vote buying do they need more then ten percent.

BF spoke in a time when those of great wealth lived in homes that are quite modest by today's standards, in a time when great projects were minor undertakings by today's standards, in a time when the wealthy actually helped the poor unlike today. Times and needs change. That which does not change with the times will die with the times.

If 10% is enough for God, it's enough for government.

well said helorat and A from Reston, you never cease to amaze me, bringing a great big smile to my face. I lived in a home in a neighborhood of homes (era standard) that stood when the Constitution was signed and that make most homes today seem quite modest. No government project should ever exceed one tenth part (and that is when that sum of local, state, federal, etc. is added up in total)

Reston, what world do you live in? You make a poor argument for excessive and unconstitutional taxation. I'm sure Reston would have been a Loyalist in 1776 -- he sure does not respect Independence. We are so used to being under the thumb of socialist rule, many can't imagine being taxed less than 35% -- 50% in the top 10 UN countries. We have come a long way baby...

It is a hard government indeed: a government that taxes for the purpose of punishment and reward to a collection of trained work animals. That's what we are to government.

Benjamin Franklin is correct. Even the church knows better, yet it survives. Fair Taxation is a vital issue. Congressman John Linder is leading the charge. We have got to get this ship turned around.

Nancy I agree, the fair tax would have helped, but alas...I think if ten is good enough for God then the Government should learn how to use it too. Our FF never used the Government as their jobs. They were writers and inventors. That was their income. Why do we have to pay such enormous salaries for public servants? That and all these pork projects is where our money goes. I would just be happy with the price of gas coming down below 4.

Anonymous, who helps the poor today, if not the wealthy? I don't see the poor helping the poor, nor the wealthy. In fact, todays poor would likely be envied by the 18th Century wealthy. Stop whining and take care of yourself. Your a big boy/girl now. Stop expecting someone else to take care of you. You most likely believe it is immoral for me to not help you, however real immorality is to make me work for something and have your government steal it from me to give to you.

These conservative arguments on here are clearly self serving and show a total lack of objectivity or historical fact. The majority of founders found excessive wealth and corporations among the largest threats to the long term survival of the country and its vision. In viewing the disparity of wealth in Europe at the the time, the founders clearly dis not want us going in that aristocratic direction. They saw accumulated wealth and inherited wealth and power as key points to avoid. It's really quite amusing, really sad, how you never hear a conservative argue on behalf of democracy except as a defense on going to war. Otherwise they quietly detest it, create rhetoric against it, and secretly plot for the day of open and accepted fascism in the USA.

Anonymous from NC, you need to get out more and converse with more than controlled socialist propaganda parrots. The statement here is not rich vs. poor but rather, an observation of theft by despot. In the de jure States united, the guaranteed body politic (see Constitution Article IV section 4) was to be a representation of individual sovereign rights. Such representation (or even an expanded protection thereof) will not cost more than 10% of the populaces united wealth. Democracies can "only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury." (Alexander Fraser) It is more often than not the tyranny of religions, such as socialism, that mandates at the business end of a gun - that which escalates costs greater than 10%, NOT, the "lawful / secular" administration of natural law, justice, liberty and rights.

Anonymous from NC, you need to get out more and converse with more than controlled socialist propaganda parrots. The statement here is not rich vs. poor but rather, an observation of theft by despot. In the de jure States united, the guaranteed body politic (see Constitution Article IV section 4) was to be a representation of individual sovereign rights. Such representation (or even an expanded protection thereof) will not cost more than 10% of the populaces united wealth. Democracies can "only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury." (Alexander Fraser) It is more often than not the tyranny of religions, such as socialism, that mandates at the business end of a gun - that which escalates costs greater than 10%, NOT, the "lawful / secular" administration of natural law, justice, liberty and rights.

" It would be thought a hard government that should tax it's people one tenth part." The legendary 10%
Taking a stab Franklin was, at the " socialist roman church and empire, " itself. Anybody with a sixth grade education can understand when something is taken out of the way ! If the knowledge and doctrine are taught concerning our Liberty. The apostle Paul given such knowledge [ of ]. But more to point Timothy and Titus with whom mercy was shown, and they for the purpose of grace at Liberty. It is a most merciful thing to grant Liberty and the association by faith through Freewill. From " before the world began, before the foundation, before the big bang ! That said Liberty, If not for foreknowledge, and predestination there would be no hope. Plans are in the mind before the pen is put to paper. Long before a nail is bent. Scientist mark well , things that are different. Discovery has brought us to the other end of a ruler of time. Now mankind knocks at the door. !