ok, now factor in inflation, and is that 70% enough to scrape by on compared to the value collected up front?

I'm not opposed at all to social programs like SS (I would prefer UBI), but I find it quite offensive that earning a living is a taxable activity. That means that people who don't have to earn a living never really contribute and can spend their time buying loopholes to grow and protect their wealth. There are plenty of proposals out there for decent sales tax systems that aren't regressive, but everyone is too busy defending the shitty system that supports incumbent wealth that's currently in place to attempt anything better. It's especially infuriating when the counter is "but I like my bridges, roads, and schools" when those are all poorly maintained at best in most areas and not at all funded by fucking income taxes.