William H. Gates Sr. Quotes

We demand a graduated income tax.

I believe in a progressive tax structure that fairly distributes the costs of government in a way that those of us fortunate to have more, carry more of the burden.

I think the rich should pay more in taxes - I agree with that 100 percent - but everybody should feel the pain a little bit.

Here is my principle: Taxes shall be levied according to ability to pay. That is the only American principle.

We Liberal Democrats don't believe we should use the tax structure to champion just one type of family.

We must have a fair tax in the United States. We have to re-adjust it, we must be fiscally responsible.

Tax rates should never be raised in some brackets without being raised in all brackets.

A properly designed tax system can strike a balance between helping the poor and, at the same time, giving people the incentive to work.

You know what isn't class warfare? Progressive taxation, as in, say, expecting billionaires to pay at least as much in taxes as their secretaries. Ideally, in fact, they should pay more.

People like me, whose income largely comes from dividends, should pay more taxes. The problem is that taxes aren't used efficiently.

I've advocated a proportional tax system. You make $10 billion, you pay a billion. You make $10, you pay one. And everybody gets treated the same way.

the most just and equitable tax that can be devised.

You want the guy driving a truck and the elderly to pay your share. You just want to pay zero taxes. Tell us right now what taxes are you are willing to pay.

We need a tax code where everyone pays his fair share.

Fairness dictates that the highest income people should pay the greatest share of taxes, and they do.

One of the things I have been preaching around the world is collecting taxes in an equitable manner, especially from the elites.

Every American, and every corporation, should pay their fair share to build the American dream.

Many argue that graduates earn a 'premium' because of their education, and should have to pay their way. I agree, and that's why I've always advocated a progressive taxation system - so if people do receive large salaries, they pay more income tax.

My message to David Cameron, as the head of our government, is to seriously think again about this Robin Hood tax, the tax to help the poor by taking a little bit from the rich.

We can fight over what the taxation levels should be, but the tax system should be very, very simple and not distortionary.

If anything, taxes for the lower and middle class and maybe even the upper middle class should even probably be cut further. But I think that people at the high end - people like myself - should be paying a lot more in taxes. We have it better than we've ever had it.

The problem with wanting the tax code to be 'simpler, fairer,' and 'pro-growth' is that it's impossible to achieve all three at the same time.

I will never support any tax increase on middle-income earners, ever... If you're not going to eliminate loopholes and exemptions, then I wouldn't support lowering rates.

To me, there are four F's in a good tax system: it ought to be flatter, fairer, finite and family-friendly.

There certainly is a case to be made that taxes should be more progressive.