Taxes may take half of your earnings, but you'd spend that much providing the same services the government does (at least).

The government gives me protection of my things, as long as I obey their ToS. I get to use public roads. I got an education (well, part of it was Private, but still received some government money). If I didn't pay the government for those things, I'd have to get them elsewhere, and I don't think it would be any cheaper. Personally I'd like the choice -- It'd be nice to "shop around" the different mercenary companies to purchase my "Home Protection Policy" or to choose which Transportation company had the best way to get from Point A to Point B, but that's not in my budget right now. The government does provide an affordable all-in-one bundle though, so I'm happy to pay for it (even if I would like some more choice. Like the "Build Your Own" car insurance they have now).

And really, I'd probably go with US Military brand Home Protection anyway -- they have some VERY nice toys.