Wise Guys

This weekly feature usually focuses on just one wise guy at a time, but in the spirit of the Tea Parties and tax day, here are some relevant words of wisdom from an assortment of wise guys (and a girl).

A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have. ~ Barry Goldwater

Christmas is the time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell government what they want and their kids pay for it. ~ Richard Lamm

Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington

Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them. ~ Lily Tomlin

Washington is a place where politicians don't know which way is up and taxes don't know which way is down. ~ Robert Orben

You don't pay taxes - they take taxes. ~ Chris Rock

And, of course, these words of wisdom from The Beatles...

The Beatles, 'Tax Man'

Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman.

Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman.

If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.

Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman

Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me.

~ George Harrison, 1966