Also take into account the state spent 5% of GDP in the 1800's. That would barely pay for medicare today. Income taxes are, however, pretty progressive, relati

Also take into account the state spent 5% of GDP in the 1800's. That would barely pay for medicare today. Income taxes are, however, pretty progressive, relatively easy to levvy and practical. They are not particularly bad taxes. Sales taxes, or VAT are worse in my opinion.