Funny thing, not really funny at all, is that the top 1% starts at only $150,000 a year gross. After deductions even those making that much, a small amount really, don't pay a hell of a lot of taxes anyway. Those who make less pay hardly any taxes at all.
This was made very clear to me by my 2nd Lt son when obama raised taxes on those making $250k or more at the time and I was screaming bloody murder swearing I would limit my income. He was totally unconcerned and I demanded to know why! "It does not affect me and does not matter to me." he said. At that point I realized two things. One was that I had failed as a father to raise a very smart or wise son. I am relieved to say that he finally grew out his insanity between 30 and 40. Like bankruptcy, slowly at first then suddenly. He will really become aware when he gets out of the AF and works for an airline about 5 years. I should live so long to see that.
My CPA's secretary owes $32.00 in state taxes this year. Most people don't pay much in the way of taxes and could simply care less about how other people's money is spent so long as they get a piece of it. We have come full circle. de Tocqueville was right. We have reached the point of failure of our once great republic become a rabble and democracy with a populace that can favor itself with self-appropriation from the treasury.
The self appropriation from the treasury is so inefficient. Were the government to act as an honest transfer of wealth clearinghouse at 90 % efficiency, that would be much better. However, there is so much pork, grift and greed! I would think the efficiency of government as wealth transfer is way lower than 50 %.