The conservative mindset can't fathom the existence of people who would gladly pay higher taxes so others can have a better shot

Many wouldn't have a problem with higher taxes if the government actually spent taxpayers' money efficiently. Hence, Libertariansim and the desire for smaller government.

That's one reason why people are opposed to graduated income tax, because if the government isn't spending money efficiently in the first place, how is more going to help? I personally support a graduated income tax, because there's no doubt the rich can afford to shell out a few more than the rest of the population when the IRS comes knocking, but if it's going to make a difference then it needs to be spent efficiently and effectively.

I think most people are in the same boat as you.

In Scandinavia, the state collects a lot of taxes and spends a lot but there is high public trust in institutions. Politicians come under intense scrutiny for things that would barely register as scandals here, like accepting a flight on a billionaire’s private jet.

We should try to improve our public service because without a government that works, we get the worst of both worlds.

That said, I’m fundamentally opposed to the idea that taxation is theft and whenever I see a right-wing meme expressing that concept, I dunk on it with this.

I don't know if smaller government is the solution, but it's certainly worth some consideration.