The misuse of Benjamin Franklin's quotes by some left-leaning commentators to advocate for wealth redistribution, specifically through the concept of a wealth tax. It critiques the interpretation of Franklin's views on property and taxation, arguing that they have been distorted to fit modern political agendas.
1. Criticism of Founding Fathers: The author highlights how the left often disparages figures like Franklin and Washington but paradoxically invokes their words to support contemporary liberal policies.
2. Misinterpretation of Franklin's Letter: Journalist Harold Meyerson claims Franklin supported a wealth tax based on a letter he wrote in 1783. However, the author argues that Meyerson misquotes Franklin, who discussed property rights rather than taxes.
3. Franklin's Actual Focus: The content of Franklin's letter differentiates between public and private property, emphasizing that any "superfluous" property beyond an individual's needs rightfully belongs to the public. However, the letter does not mention taxes.
4. Historical Context of Wealth: At the time Franklin wrote the letter, both he and Robert Morris were wealthy men, and their definition of "superfluous" property would not align with modern interpretations of wealth. The author posits that Franklin would not have considered his wealth excessive since he actively provided valuable products and services.
5. Franklin's Role in Founding Documents: Franklin was a key figure in drafting both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which the author argues are against redistributionist policies that the left advocates.
The author concludes that the argument supporting a wealth tax based on Franklin’s writings is unfounded and that it misrepresents his views on property and taxation. Franklin’s legacy is portrayed as one that does not align with modern notions of wealth redistribution, making claims that he supported such ideas appear absurd.
https://spectator.org/the-lefts-ben-franklin-wealth-tax-fiction/
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