In addition to all of the points raised by FP regarding the flawed comparison to Germany, has anyone thought about the difference in size between the US and Germany?
Take a look:
http://www.travelersdigest.com/7356-how-big-is-germany-in-comparison-to-the-united-states-united-kingdom-japan/
And that does not even take into consideration the vastly more challenging topography of the US.
I suppose all this is easily surmountable for those who believe in the never-ending capacity of the beleagured US taxpayer to be squeezed for ever greater contributions.