The United States of America taxes far less than other nations of similar economic stature.
In order solely to win votes, both democrat and republican governments have spread fear about the terrors of "big government".
This has made people fear taxation, even when it is plainly obvious that higher taxes, particularly on the wealthy but also on the poorer, WILL increase quality of life, social cohesion, and fairness when combined with stronger Universal Healthcare and Social Security programs.
The Obama Administration should also take a firm stance against that prevalent tax fraud by the "1%".
Tax is not evil. When well administered, it is there to help you. High levels of taxation is the basis for functioning society, and low taxation is a function of a weak, populist democracy.