1) They have been trained to distrust government and are the country with the most consistent freedom on the planet bar none. I am not from the US, but if US Americans suddenly decide to change that, it would be a big loss. Europe certainly cannot hold up to anything here, even if it too believes in division of powers.
And otherwise I like cash and social security is one factor. Let's take a "problematic" country like Germany and its social security net. In the event that you cannot take care of yourself, the government gives you the minimal amount of money you need to survive. In exchange for total control of your accounts. There is a gray area with abuse of social security, but I think it is clear what that control can entail.
Will they even seize 10$ you got from your friend for a pack of cigarettes? Yes, they will... Being critical of government is the better way, it cannot be your parent and if it is, it is a lousy one. These rules were made by civil servants that cannot even get into that situation and it shows.
And otherwise I like cash and social security is one factor. Let's take a "problematic" country like Germany and its social security net. In the event that you cannot take care of yourself, the government gives you the minimal amount of money you need to survive. In exchange for total control of your accounts. There is a gray area with abuse of social security, but I think it is clear what that control can entail.
Will they even seize 10$ you got from your friend for a pack of cigarettes? Yes, they will... Being critical of government is the better way, it cannot be your parent and if it is, it is a lousy one. These rules were made by civil servants that cannot even get into that situation and it shows.
So don't give up the suspicion just yet.