Federal taxes aren't the whole picture. What's important is how much you'd have left after Federal, state, and local taxes plus health care premiums (and copays) and other important expenses.

If I paid higher taxes but could have my health care costs covered the way they are in many other countries (Canada, Denmark, Germany, etc.), get tax rebates and/or low-interest loans for weatherizing my house or installing solar panels, get reasonable and affordable student loans, and be able to use high-quality infrastructure such as highways, bridges, public transit systems, public libraries, etc., I'd probably come out a lot better than I do under the current system.   And an important part of the equation is whether the people and corporations at the top are paying their fair share too -- taxes commensurate not only with their incomes but also with their use of things like the transportation systems, federal lands (and forests, rivers, etc.), the courts, etc.

I don't believe for a minute that my "bottom line" or standard of living is better under Reaganomics or its reincarnations under GW Bush or what John McCain proposes.

G