On Lying to Government

I was raised to always tell the truth, though I have often fallen short of that goal. I don't even like lying to save someone's feelings from being hurt. So what I am about to tell you may come as a shock. I think it is more moral to lie to government agents and bureaucrats than it is to be truthful with them. If you had lived in Nazi Germany, would you have lied to protect hiding jews? It was illegal and dangerous to do so. Would you feel guilty if you got mugged and hid the fact that you have $20 in your shoe? Are you obligated to reveal it to the mugger so he can take it? Only a fool would say "yes". If you consent to a relationship you have an obligation to be totally open with the other party. We are not obligated to be truthful in a coercive "relationship" such as between you and government or a freelance mugger. It is only a matter of degree to distinguish protecting hidden jews from lying to an IRS agent about your neighbor's off-the-books garage business. It may be a matter of survival to him.