I don't see taxes as a punishment, but as a contribution by the individual to the fulfilment of communal tasks. But: the feeling that they are not fair is no random phenomenon. Many of these taxes would certainly feel more pleasant if we could have a direct say in how they are spent. Not via an election and thus via parties and their (non-binding) programmes, but by referendum. If funds were then not channelled into the arms industry and military budget, but perhaps into school infrastructure and cultural funding instead. Just as people are prepared to pay the price for a product that they would like to have, they will also pay taxes that are spent on measures that are perceived as useful without complaining. There are countries with corresponding programmes...