The point I was trying to make is that giving half of everything to the government is rather unnecessary in order to have a "social safety net". The things you mentioned, unemployment, retirement, roads, police, etc, don't require giving up half my income.
And guess what? People recognize that. And when people think they're being jerked around..
Honestly? You'd have to show me the spreadsheets to prove that assertion. Not that the current system in any country is likely to be 100% efficient, mind you, but I suspect it's more efficient than you give it credit for. That said, that's hand-waving in both directions. I have no numbers to support my own suspicions, either.
Also keep in mind that it isn't half of everything. These systems are typically progressive, so it's likely because this will be a large sum ($220,000) all at once that the tax rate is that high.
And guess what? People recognize that. And when people think they're being jerked around..