Some distrust of those in power is not always assuming that everyone with authority is lying. That's the absurd part, although I do admit that approaching it a

Some distrust of those in power is not always assuming that everyone with authority is lying. That's the absurd part, although I do admit that approaching it as though lying by authorities is common is a good way to build the system -- similar to designing your internal network assuming that attackers have already breached your firewall. because I understand that I could be tempted by that power Interesting. I don't look at it that way at all. I don't really want more power in my life except for the power to live without people messing with me. Power over others has little appeal or temptation to me. Policing just looks to be a dangerous, thankless, under-compensated job to me. Imagine having to walk up to someone's car to give them a ticket. Your job is to be "that guy" who pisses on someone's day because they were speeding, had a tail light out, whatever. Then add to that mix the probability that they'll try to manipulate you, possibly by insulting you and taking their frustration out on you. Finally, that person may have a gun and be waiting for you to get into the right position to blow a hole in you. Makes me happy that I earn my living by programming in my house. I'm torn on your comment about respect. I think that there are some jobs in the world that are more deserving than others of respect. Doctors who save lives, for example. Most jobs that involve a lot of physical risk for little pay like the military and policing, for another. Sitting on my butt writing software is not really one of them and I'm okay with that.