I see what you're saying, but I still can't get behind the idea that as you make more money, you keep less of it. However, I will be the first to admit my beliefs come from a mostly anecdotal position
It's understandable. What can I say?
The way I see it, I'm doing my part to keep society afloat. The civil clerics ensuring everyone's legal documents are in order? Partially mine. Local library? I helped pay for it. Schools? All mine.
And yes... I've been unemployed. Before I got my first job, I got through paying the rent by tax payers' money. As such, now that I'm working (well... Full time before corona), I'm also glad to help out those who are now in the position that I was.
Perhaps it's also a bit psychological. For our day jobs, our 'full' loan is but dead letter. On the monthly letter, it starts with my full loan (about 3'000 euros) and then subtracts all taxes to end slightly below 2000 euro, which is what I consider my REAL loan, and what goes into my bank account without to much fuss(1). I mean... If I got that 3000 on my account to hold on for some months and if news outlets banged on how worthless government really was(2), I would rather have lower taxes as well. Right now, it's just organized without too much fuss.
(1): this isn't everything, mind you. There are more taxes added later. And even the reverse. Because of my family situation, I now get back a couple hundred euros every year.
(2): I haven't been to the US, but I can't help having the impression of piss poor return on your tax investment on anything that's not the army