Simple math that you got wrong. Do you understand that 45% is a marginal rate? And yes, it does have everything to do with govt policies because you are gettin

Simple math that you got wrong. Do you understand that 45% is a marginal rate? And yes, it does have everything to do with govt policies because you are getting value back. It is like saying taxes are high in Nordic countries, ignoring the fact that most of what you pay is returned to you. Saying that doesn't impact demand or the price level is not accurate, and misunderstands (again) at a fundamental level how govt operates.