What really baffles me is how others DON'T intrinsically mistrust those in power. Human nature is human nature after all. NSA revelations, "I'm going to close

What really baffles me is how others DON'T intrinsically mistrust those in power. Human nature is human nature after all. NSA revelations, "I'm going to close GITMO", "weapons of mass destruction", "I did not have sexual relations with that women"... This list goes on and on. Trust is out of the question at this point for many people. The word gullible comes to mind. For the record, I don't mistrust the government. I think most of it is low level bureaucracy that somewhat functions, (albeit a bit inefficiently), and basically keeps things running. But it is run by people. And historically most people have been lazy, a bit stupid, and corruptible. But there isn't necessarily a pernicious conspiracy. And I would let the government prepare my taxes. As long as they have good software and it isn't a politician doing it.