re: #42 freetoken

You do realize that many countries with very high living standards are countries which redistribute even more of a person’s income than the US?

Indeed, name a major nation (i.e., not a little island get-a-way) with a high living standard that doesn’t have a government that would be accused by some of having a more socialistic approach to society than the US?

Almost all leading nations have a form of socialized medicine.

Almost all leading nations have extensive welfare benefits for poor.

Almost all leading nations have extensive public education.

Israelis pay huge taxes. Most of it goes to defense, of course, and includes all the things you mention.