Not true exactly. You're right that taxes are very high in Europe compared to most US areas, especially if you consider VAT, which is up to 20% on everything you buy. But otherwise: You maybe pay 60% in taxes + social security (pension, unemployment) + healthcare if you have a very high income, but taxes are progressive and normally top out at around 50% for income over 100,000 USD. People with low income pay either no taxes or around 20%.

Not true exactly. You're right that taxes are very high to most US areas, especially if you consider VAT, which is 20% on everything you buy. But otherwise: You maybe pay 60% in taxes + social security (pension, unemployment) + healthcare if you have a very high income, but taxes are progressive and normally top out at around 50% for income over 100,000 USD. People with low income pay either no taxes or around 20%.