>Abhorrence? It is too strong. I just consider taxation as a dangerous tool in unscrupulous hands, because it is not limited, i.e. it may go beyond traditional system of checks and balances. The best solution, I am not very optimistic about it, would be unconditional (constitutional ?) cap on excessive taxation. I don't like your crazy level number (55%), the same way as you do, so what you think about chances to stop it on this level? Pretty low, eh? Mostly, because 'basic services' are very elastic.

Yep, basic services now covers things like emergency roadside assistance trucks that are staffed 24/7, to roam the interstates and help the idiots who forgot you need gas in yo cah, or that you need decent tires on yo cah. We are actually paying people to be good samaritans, and they use our tax dollars to buy gas for these people, fix flats, etc. Millions down the tubes just here in Memphis.