"We shall tax and tax, and spend and spend, and elect and elect"
- Harry Hopkins
About this Quote
The quote "We shall tax and tax, and spend and spend, and choose and choose" by Harry Hopkins, a close consultant to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, encapsulates a tactical perspective on governance that was prevalent during the New Deal period. This period in the 1930s was marked by a series of financial programs aimed at recovering from the Great Anxiety, with Hopkins being a main figure in carrying out these policies.
The expression "We will tax and tax" highlights the government's method of utilizing tax as a primary tool for profits generation, important for funding large-scale public jobs and well-being programs. Throughout the New Deal, increased tax was required to support extraordinary levels of federal costs. The dedication to taxing reflects an understanding that in order to sustain public investments and governmental initiatives, there must be a trusted source of financing.
The subsequent "invest and spend" element of the quote underscores the viewpoint of using fiscal policy as a means to stimulate financial growth and supply social assistance. The New Deal introduced a series of costs programs focused on task production, infrastructure advancement, and social welfare. Hopkins was a strong supporter for such government expenses, believing they were vital in attending to unemployment and financial stagnancy. His declaration suggests a desire to participate in active financial intervention to attain social and financial objectives.
Finally, "choose and elect" relates to the political technique of gaining and maintaining public assistance through noticeable outcomes of government action. By delivering concrete benefits to the people, the administration intended to secure electoral victories and ensure the continuity of their policies. This highlights the interconnectedness between financial policy and political success, recommending that reliable governance can strengthen political power.
In general, the quote encapsulates a cyclical procedure of tax, expense, and political support that characterized the New Deal era. It shows a practical method to governance where financial policy serves both to deal with instant social needs and to develop a foundation for sustained political success.
About the Author