>I don't have any idea how taxes should be based on what you cost

The system is unfair, but better than any other system then?

> punishing success

Is an emotive term, and nonsense. How is it a punishment? I know Zuckerberg looks like he can't afford a suit, but he doesn't seem to be particularly oppressed by the state. In fact he seems to have scrimped and saved $70bn despite the pillaging. How about a different term, 'sharing success with the society that helped create it'?

> For me personally, it's quite clear that in years where I make more money and therefore pay more taxes, I haven't cost the government any more.

And your business operations come at no cost to society, and don't use any of the benefits society created? Could it be the inverse is true, in the years where you were less profitable the government reduced your tax burden below your actual cost to nurture and encourage your enterprise? And later you earned more and paid something back towards it?

I see a dangerously double-edged argument. To base the deriving of society’s expenses per a person on that person’s earnings is odd. Especially if you limit your view to the 99% of population who are either just normal employees, or their dependents, or even welfare receivers of some kind. If I am making 50% more in my 30s than I did in my 20s - do I really cost more? In my 70s I would likely make nothing, except the pension, but my healthcare bills would grow.

So taking your point to extreme - should my “taxes” (on what?) be the highest in my 70s?