May I point out that the tax on distilled spirits was enacted in 1863 at the behest of one Abraham Lincoln? That tax is still with us. I offer it as a plain demonstration of the tyranny of one Abraham Lincoln!
I wasn’t aware of that fact ... thanks for posting!
Actually, the original tax on distilled spirits was enacted in 1791 at the behest of George Washington.
I therefore offer it as a plain demonstration of the tyranny of one George Washington!
It also led directly to the first armed rebellion against the authority of the United States government, which GW crushed by massive armed force. So it seems appropriate the same tax later helped fund the crushing of a later rebellion.