Charles Barkley:

"Bill Russell called me one time… He says, “Charles Barkley.” I said, “Yes, sir, Mr. Russell.” “You grew up in Alabama. Right?” I said, “Yes, sir.” He says, “Did you go to public school?” I said, “Yes, sir.” He says, “Did the cops ever come to your neighborhood?” I said, “Yes sir.” He said, “Any of the houses ever on fire and the firemen come?” I said, “Yes, sir.” He said, “I don’t want to see your black ass on TV complaining about your taxes anymore.” I says, “What do you mean?” He says, “So now that you got money you don’t want to help other people out, but when you were poor, other people took care of you.” And I says, “You know what, Mr. Russell, you will never hear me complain about my taxes again.”

And it was a very interesting lesson for me, because I do think rich people should pay more taxes. I’m blessed to be one of them, and we should pay more in taxes. I learned my lesson. I never complain about taxes.

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"I like to pay taxes. With them, I buy civilization" -- Oliver Wendell Holmes