taxes (stock gains)

[itradesp@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Just wondering if there's a way to possibly avoid paying a total of 
40% on taxes from gains in the stock market. I had to pay 28% federal 
tax, then 12% capital gains tax for the state of Massachusetts. It 
hardly seems worth the risk. It's hard enough to make money in the 
market as it is, then you have to give almost half back to the 
government, while they risk NOTHING if I lose...What a system..
I'd like to hear privately if this is an accurate figure for the 
amount of taxes that I paid. Thanks in advance

Matt