The majority of Americans are apolitical libertarians that don't care

[ringmastery]

I think most Americans are socially liberal (they don't like government in their private business) and fiscially conservative (they don't like big government and abhor taxes and will do anything to not to pay, i.e. why so many cheat on them).

They pretty much want a free lunch in life.

Most Americans also don't give a fuck about politics. They have other things going on in their lives and don't care. They are cynical. All politicans are corrupt to them. It's all the same bullshit.

[drhilarius]

1. However,people can change.

I'm an example. I was an apolitical, cynical shit...until Nov. 2000. I got somewhat involved, reading the paper, following CNN. then I started reading blogs, anti-bush sites, etc. Then I registered on DU. I deeply regret my apathy. My apathy, as well as the apathy of millions of my kind, let Bush steal the presidency. Believe me, I'm trying to make up for it. What you folks do here is good and right. people are listening, you are leading by example. I'm saying this because there seems something cynical about your post. Don't give up, friend, you're fighting the good fight.

[unblock]

2. so many cheat on taxes?

not sure about that one. at least relatively speaking, america has pretty good compliance.

americans do love legal taxes loopholes, but that's not cheating, that's modifying behavior in the way congress, in its infinite wisdom, decided to steer the economy. you know, responding to incentives. congress thinks owning a house is so much better than renting, so, sure, i bought a house. congress thinks charity is good, so sure, i donated old clothing i would otherwise have tossed. not cheating.

and yes, some people stretch or just plain lie, e.g., making up donations that didn't exist or padding the value. that of course is cheating. but i think these numbers are normal, probably even small, compared to other countries.

i hear italy is notorious for tax cheats. many cash transactions over there....

[ringmastery]

3. it's a big problem for the self-employed

so many ways to hide income.