Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

A quote posted in the 18 March 2010 edition of the Future of Freedom Foundation Newsletter, which should highlight the malady of the health care and climategate bills being pushed through Congress...(pun intended)

It is the highes impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expense.... They are themselves always, and without any exception, the greatest spendthrifts in society. Let them look well after their own expense, and they may safely trust private people with theirs.

— Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations [1776]