The lawyers and politicians need job security, so let's constantly create fear and a crisis...

I agree with the sentiment, trust / respect your fellow man until shown reasons not to. Personally, I have a hard time, that's not quite strong enough, with people that walk around saying "You have to EARN my respect". Bullshit. That's a major problem with today's society. EVERYONE deserves respect until they do/say something to LOSE it.

As far as trusting society at large... I guess my studies in jiu jitsu, and successful completion of LFI-4 are a good indication of how much I trust the common man.