You must an ivory tower academic or a closet comedian.
Here's a question for you...
Many European countries take 60-70% of their citizens wages as taxes. If they do not have/exert the big socialist control you claim, 1) What the hell are they doing with all of the money, and 2) Why are the citizens giving it to them? DUH!
The tax burden on Americans from federal, state, and local taxes (including FICA)is approaching 50 percent. If the Dems have their way, we will be getting to the 60 to 70 percent range soon enough. Just wait until Social Security goes bust in 2017 when we pay out more than we take in. We will either have to reduce benefits or raise taxes.