Earn $100 pay 30% tax you are left with $70.What is your tax rate? Is it 30%, or is it 43%
($30 is 43% of $70)
So what's your point?...
If you didn't pay $30 tax on $70, how could your tax rate be 43%?
My point is, the debate over gross vs. net payments can go on forever and it doesn't really matter. Another point I'll bring up is that that is the main objection you seem to have (at least it is the one you tire us with the most) and it is rhetorical and senseless.