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About this quote

What does it mean?
Imposing taxes without giving people a voice is tyranny.
In plain terms
No tax without a say is tyranny.
What can you take from it?
Political representation is essential for legitimate taxation.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • activism
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • demand voting rights
  • challenge unfair taxes

Questions to consider

  • What is fair taxation?
  • Why is representation important?

Another view

Taxation rules vary across contexts.

More from James Otis

  1. It is a clear truth that those who every day barter away other men's liberty will soon care little for their own.

    Permalink to quote #8
  2. What must be the wealth that avarice, aided by power, cannot exhaust!

    Permalink to quote #10
  3. If we are not represented, we are slaves.

    Permalink to quote #7

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