Government lasts as long as the under-taxed can defend themselves against the over-taxed.

Summary

This quote suggests that for a government to remain stable and functional, there needs to be a balance between taxing the citizens and ensuring their ability to protect themselves from excessive taxation. It implies that if the burden of taxation becomes too heavy for the population, they may rebel or resist, leading to the downfall of the government. Essentially, governments can only endure if they levy taxes that are deemed fair and manageable by the citizens, allowing them to maintain their ability to defend their interests.

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