This is becoming rather childish.......Its a sign of maturity that men get along, even like each other despite completely opposing philosophys..
As to being independent, thats great when all is well, but what happens if cancer strikes, or you live in Detroit or New Orleans???
Man was made to be a social creature, a socialist if you will. And as he matures and grows, he will be more socialistic.
Europe, even Canada are decades ahead of us...
Taxes, from my social security and pension I still pay over $1,000 annually in school and local taxes. Our tax system works well, many of our wealthy may not like it, but then, Ebenezer Scrooge did not like very much either..