You might not see a dollar's worth of return in a dollar's tax, but that's probably because you've never lived in a failed state (like Syria is sadly now). If

You might not see a dollar's worth of return in a dollar's tax, but that's probably because you've never lived in a failed state (like Syria is sadly now). If you live in the U.S. and have the time and energy to post comments here, your home (whether you rent or own) is probably safe, you can put your money in a bank and expect to get it back when you ask, if you are accused of a crime you have an opportunity to defend yourself, if you are the victim of a crime you have a reasonable expectation that the state (e.g. police and prosecutors) will help you, when you retire you have health insurance a little income (Social Security) ... etc. These are a very few of the benefits of living in a civil society. They all cost money, which we pay in taxes.