[Principled]

Explain to me, then, why the US government believes it is entitled to a hefty share of my profits though it does not share in the risk, does not put up any of its own capital, and does not offer any services or protection whatsoever related to my investment.

Becasue they can. Because our Congress has given the IRS the power to do so.

[The_Expatriate]

Because they can.

Yep, the little gravy train that could. "We're sure we can, we're sure we can..."