“The taxpayer — that’s someone who works for the federal government but doesn’t have to take the civil service examination.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“The taxpayer — that’s someone who works for the federal government but doesn’t have to take the civil service examination.”
Explanation
With this quote, Ronald Reagan delivers a biting critique of government spending and the burden placed on ordinary citizens through taxation. By comparing the taxpayer to a government worker—one who labors for the government without ever formally joining its ranks—Reagan humorously underscores his belief that the government exists largely through the earnings and effort of its citizens, often without sufficient regard for how their money is used. The joke highlights a deeper concern: that taxpayers shoulder the cost of an ever-expanding bureaucracy without the benefits or recognition that come with civil service roles.
This remark is consistent with Reagan’s broader philosophy of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and taxpayer advocacy. Throughout his presidency, he frequently emphasized the need to reduce the size and cost of federal agencies, return power to states, and give individuals greater control over their income. Reagan believed that government should be efficient and accountable, not a bloated system sustained by the involuntary labor of overtaxed citizens.
In today’s context, the quote remains relevant amid ongoing debates about tax reform, public sector accountability, and the role of government in economic life. It resonates with those who feel that government spending often outpaces its effectiveness, and that citizens deserve more transparency and respect as the true financiers of public programs. Reagan’s wit, once again, delivers a clear message: the people are not just governed—they’re paying for the privilege, and they deserve better.
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