The government deficit is the difference between the amount of money the government spends and the amount it has the nerve to collect.

Summary

This quote sarcastically highlights how government deficits arise from the difference between government spending and tax revenue. The phrase "the nerve to collect" implies that governments might be hesitant or unwilling to collect enough taxes to cover their expenditures. It suggests that deficits result not from lack of resources but from the government's reluctance to fully enforce tax collection. The quote criticizes governments for spending beyond their means and failing to effectively manage their budget, implying that deficits could be avoided if there was more assertiveness in collecting taxes.

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