"This is all very curious indeed, for on the eve of the Revolution, the Americans were quick enough to see that they were being exploited by Great Britain through taxes and other devices.

At that time they scornfully rejected Dr. Johnson’s celebrated argument that taxation was no slavery.

They were able to see that they were being robbed when they were taxed by another nation, but now they are not keen enough to discover exploitation by a class at home."

(Source: Economic Origins of Jeffersonian Democracy, Charles Beard)

Very curious indeed...