“Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods”

Simplified Meaning:

When people run for office and make grand promises, it's like they're trying to win votes by offering things they don't exactly own yet. Imagine you hold an auction, but instead of selling your own stuff, you're selling things that you plan to take from others. Politicians often talk about giving out benefits or services, but they can only do this by using taxpayers' money, which is not theirs to begin with. This situation is similar to an auction where items are promised without the consent of the rightful owners. For instance, during a political campaign, a candidate might promise free healthcare or college tuition to the public. However, to fulfill these promises, the government would need to raise taxes or reallocate funds, effectively taking resources from one group to provide for another. It's like promising to give away a neighbor's bike without asking them first. This quote warns us to be cautious and think critically about where the politicians’ promises are coming from and who ultimately pays the price. By being aware of this, you can make more informed decisions when you vote, understanding the real cost of the promises made to win your support.