“Out of every $100 produced by Americans, the government takes away $45.”
You pay 45%?
45% is the share of US GDP that government spends
I would have asked that question differently. You're only paying 45%? Many of us are paying even more. For 2010, I'm looking at Fed 28%, State 7.8%, FICA 7.65%, Medicare 1.45%. That's 44.9% before getting nicked for sales tax, property tax, fuel tax, vehicle registration, etc.
When the Bush tax cuts expire, add 3% to that number for 2011.
“You pay 45%?”
Add up all the taxes embeded on everything you touch, and most people would be surprised.