Hummmm, sound like you're picking and choosing. Europe in general has evolved with many programs this country has generally thought of as socialism, and to a lesser degree, so have we. Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, etc., are all in trouble fiscally, as are we. Yet Germany, seems strong and their individual tax rates are some of the highest in the world, so they do provide evidence individal taxation doesn't have to be low or extremely low to compete globally.
It should be noted that Bill Maher is easily far more intelligent than most around here, even though some of what he rants on about is a bit over the top.