History of the Income Tax

 "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin

The history of the income tax in the United States is a fascinating and complex one.

Civil War Income Tax (1861-1872):

During the Civil War, the U.S. government faced a dire need for revenue to fund the war effort. In 1861, Congress passed the Revenue Act, which included the nation's first federal income tax.

"We must have revenue, we must have more revenue; we cannot have it if we are to repeal the tariff, for that would prostrate the custom-house. We must, therefore, resort to direct taxation." - Senator John Sherman, 1861

Tax Act of 1894:

In 1894, Congress passed the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act, which included the first peace time income tax.

This time the Supreme Court of the United States declared the income tax unconstitutional in the case of Pollock v. Farmer's Loan and Trust Co. [158 U.S. 601 (1895)], saying that direct taxes cannot be imposed on individuals but that taxes must be apportioned by population among states.

The 16th Amendment (1913):

Prior to 1913, the United States primarily funded its government through tariffs and excise taxes. The 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting Congress the power to levy income taxes without apportionment among the states.

"The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the States, and without regard to any census or enumeration." - The 16th Amendment, 1913

World War I and the Modern Income Tax (1917):

During World War I, the income tax was expanded to raise additional revenue to support the war effort.

The New Deal and Progressive Taxation:

In the 1930s and 1940s, the income tax system became more progressive with higher tax rates on the wealthy.

"Taxes, after all, are the dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society." - Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1935

Post-War Tax Reforms (1940s-1960s):

The post-World War II period saw tax reforms aimed at reducing wartime deficits and promoting economic stability.

Tax Reform Act of 1986:

President Ronald Reagan signed the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which simplified the tax code and lowered tax rates while broadening the tax base.

"We're going to close the unproductive tax loopholes that have allowed some of the truly wealthy to avoid paying their fair share." - Ronald Reagan, 1985

Modern Taxation:

The U.S. income tax system has continued to evolve with various tax cuts, reforms, and debates about its structure and fairness.

"The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax." - Albert Einstein

These quotes and legislative acts provide a glimpse into the history and evolution of income taxation in the United States, reflecting both the necessity of revenue for government operations and the ongoing debate over tax policy and fairness.

Please hit the Follow button on the right hand side of the page to get more articles like this.

Prominent Thinkers Who Shaped Conservative Politics

 Prominent conservative thinkers in the United States have made significant contributions to the country's political, economic, and social discourse. This list includes individuals who have played key roles in shaping conservative thought over the years. Please note that conservatism can encompass a wide range of beliefs and ideologies, so not all of these thinkers may align with each other on every issue, but they have all had an impact on conservative thought in some way. The list is not exhaustive, and there are many other important conservative thinkers as well.

1. 
   Edmund Burke (1729-1797) - An Irish-born philosopher and statesman, often regarded as the father of modern conservatism. His writings, such as "Reflections on the Revolution in France," emphasized the importance of tradition, gradual reform, and the preservation of established institutions.

2. 
   

   

3. Russell Kirk (1918-1994) - An American political theorist and author of "The Conservative Mind," which helped define modern conservative thought by emphasizing the importance of tradition, prudence, and a skepticism toward radical change.

4. 
   

   

5. William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008) - A conservative author and founder of the National Review magazine. He played a significant role in popularizing conservative ideas through his writing and television show "Firing Line."

6. 
   

   

7. Barry Goldwater (1909-1998) - A five-term U.S. Senator from Arizona and the 1964 Republican presidential nominee. His book "The Conscience of a Conservative" became a cornerstone of modern American conservatism.

8. 
   

   

9. Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) - The 40th President of the United States, Reagan's policies and speeches, such as his advocacy for limited government and free-market economics, had a profound impact on the conservative movement.

10. 
    

    

11. Milton Friedman (1912-2006) - An economist and Nobel laureate known for his advocacy of free-market capitalism and limited government intervention. His works, including "Capitalism and Freedom," influenced conservative economic thought.

12. 
    

    

13. Ayn Rand (1905-1982) - A Russian-American philosopher and novelist, Rand is known for her philosophy of Objectivism, which advocates rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism. Her novel "Atlas Shrugged" remains influential among conservatives.

14. 
    

    

15. Clare Boothe Luce (1903-1987) - A playwright, journalist, and U.S. Ambassador to Italy. She was known for her strong anti-communist stance and support for conservative principles.

16. 
    

    

17. Antonin Scalia (1936-2016) - An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States known for his originalist interpretation of the Constitution and conservative jurisprudence.

18. 
    

    

19. Phyllis Schlafly (1924-2016) - A conservative activist and author known for her opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment and her work in the conservative movement.

20. 
    

    

21. Thomas Sowell (1930-2021) - An economist, social theorist, and author of numerous books on economics and social issues from a conservative perspective. His work has influenced conservative economic thought.

22. 
    

    

23. Ben Shapiro - A contemporary conservative commentator, author, and speaker known for his strong advocacy of conservative principles and his writings on political and cultural issues.

This list provides a broad overview of prominent conservative thinkers in the United States throughout history. Keep in mind that conservatism is a diverse and evolving ideology, and there are many other influential figures who have contributed to its development.

Meet Conscious Conservative Howard Galt

Meet Howard Galt, a man whose life journey reflects the resilience forged in the crucible of a swamp, surrounded by trappers, hunters, and fishermen. Howard's story begins in the heart of hard work, as he embraced the life of a migrant farmworker before even setting foot in a classroom, shouldering the weight of sides of beef as a teen apprentice to a butcher.

Howard's conservative convictions were etched into his soul by the harsh reality of seeing liberal environmentalists transform his home into a national park. Witnessing families, rooted in the land for generations, forcibly removed at gunpoint, sparked a fire in Howard to champion the values of freedom and personal responsibility.

A transformative chapter unfolded when Howard joined a Boy Scout troop at a local Air Force base. Here, he imbibed the values and skills that propelled him into the United States Army Reserve. Against the odds, Howard pursued education, navigating the path from the swamp to college. His journey continued as a civilian employee for the National Guard, a role where he seamlessly blended his military discipline with a commitment to service.

In the tapestry of Howard's life, the thread of liberty runs consistently. His advocacy spans diverse realms—supporting candidates, championing causes, taking action in the neighborhood, and wielding the power of the written word. Howard Galt stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit shaped by the swamp, a conservative force fueled by firsthand experiences and a commitment to preserve the principles that define the American spirit.

Hit the Follow button on the right of the screen to join Howard and other Conscious Conservatives in the quest to preserve the founding principles of the United States of America.

ARE YOU A CONSCIOUS CONSERVATIVE?

 

You may be A Conscious Conservative if you believe:

No person or government has a right to take or use a person's property without that person's consent.

Taxation is at best a necessary evil.

Family is a more important than government.  Government acts as a grave robber when it taxes inheritance.

Those who control who can buy and sell can make the free into slaves.  There should be competing private banking institutions rather than one Federal Reserve.

Government should stay out of the business of transportation. 

When government gets involved in production of goods and services, decisions are made to reward political allies and punish political opponents rather than reward productive citizens and provide needed goods and services to consumers.

Every person has a right to use their talents and abilities in any way they see fit.

Individuals have the primary responsibility for their own education and parents have the responsibility to raise and educate their children. 

The blog A Conscious Conservative www.conservativeconscious.blogspot.com has been created to both educate people and bring like minded conservatives together. 

In the beginning we'll focus on three key issues:

Transitioning back to sound money.

Exposing the rigged electoral system in the United States.

Challenging government confiscation through taxation, eminent domain, and policing for profit.

Please hit the Follow button on the right hand side of the page to join the Conscious Conservative revival