Meaning: The quote, "When a new source of taxation is found it never means, in practice, that the old source is abandoned. It merely means that the politicians have two ways of milking the taxpayer where they had one before," by H.L. Mencken, reflects a cynical perspective on the nature of taxation and government revenue. This quote is a commentary on the tendency of governments to continually seek new sources of revenue without relinquishing existing sources, effectively creating additional burdens on taxpayers.

H.L. Mencken was an American journalist, satirist, cultural critic, and scholar of American English. Known for his wit and skepticism, Mencken was a keen observer of politics, society, and human nature. The quote in question succinctly captures his critical view of government and taxation.

The first part of the quote, "When a new source of taxation is found it never means, in practice, that the old source is abandoned," suggests that the introduction of new taxes or revenue streams does not result in the removal of existing ones. This observation reflects the reality that governments often layer new taxes on top of existing ones, rather than replacing outdated or inefficient forms of taxation. Instead of simplifying the tax system, the addition of new taxes complicates it further, leading to increased complexity and potentially greater financial burdens on taxpayers.

The second part of the quote, "It merely means that the politicians have two ways of milking the taxpayer where they had one before," highlights the perceived exploitation of taxpayers by politicians. Mencken's use of the metaphor "milking the taxpayer" conveys the idea that the government continuously extracts money from the public, and the addition of new taxes provides politicians with additional means to do so. This imagery evokes a sense of exploitation and manipulation, suggesting that the government's primary interest in new taxation is to extract more resources from the public rather than improving the efficiency or fairness of the tax system.

Mencken's quote speaks to a broader skepticism about the motives and actions of political leaders and the government. It reflects a common sentiment among individuals who perceive government taxation as a tool for revenue generation rather than a means of promoting the common good or addressing societal needs. The quote also underscores the complexity and opacity of the tax system, which can contribute to public distrust and frustration with government fiscal policies.

In contemporary contexts, Mencken's quote continues to resonate with individuals who are critical of government taxation and its impact on the public. Debates over tax reform, fiscal policy, and government spending often evoke similar sentiments about the proliferation of taxes and the perceived lack of accountability in how tax revenues are utilized. The quote serves as a reminder of the enduring skepticism and wariness that many people hold toward the relationship between government and taxation.

In conclusion, H.L. Mencken's quote offers a cynical yet thought-provoking commentary on the nature of taxation and government revenue. It illuminates the tendency of governments to continually seek new sources of revenue without relinquishing existing ones, thereby burdening taxpayers with additional financial obligations. The quote encapsulates Mencken's critical perspective on the exploitation of taxpayers by politicians and underscores broader concerns about the complexity and opacity of the tax system. As a timeless observation, the quote continues to resonate with individuals who harbor skepticism toward government taxation and fiscal policies.