"People who relieve others of their money with guns are called robbers. It does not alter the immorality of the act when the income transfer is carried out by government"

This quote by Cal Thomas is referring to the immorality of government taking money from citizens through tax. Thomas is stating that it is incorrect for individuals to take money from others by force, regardless of whether it is done by a specific or by the federal government. He is indicating that taxation is a form of theft, and that it is incorrect for the federal government to take money from citizens without their consent. Thomas is likewise suggesting that taxation is a form of coercion, as citizens are required to pay taxes or face legal consequences. Eventually, Thomas is arguing that tax is an unethical act, no matter whether it is done by a private or by the federal government.