[Sherman Logan]

There can be no doubt that substantial numbers – on his estimate, nearly half – of electors who decide how a democracy spends its money no longer make any financial contribution to the taxes it must raise to do so.

Flatly untrue.

Romney's numbers referred to those who don't pay one of the many taxes, federal income tax.

This group continues to pay many other taxes, from SS to sales tax to other local and state taxes. Comparisons between US and European taxation are frequently flawed by comparing US federal taxes only, ignoring the large state and local burdens, which are generally much higher here.

Not to mention a huge amount in indirect taxes, although they are of course generally unaware of it.

[achilles2000]

If you don’t pay federal income tax you are almost certainly a net tax consumer, which is to say that you get more than you give. Even some who pay federal income taxes are net tax consumers.

Net tax consumers pay no taxes.