The federal government is trying to grab too much power over the states and that in itself is scary. Its a new way to get you if they want, I agree. Its intimidation.

Any time I ever had to deal with the government it was a flucked up experience. When I started doing my own taxes after I retired, the IRS actually checked all of my figures and said they were correct. The fact that they sent me a letter confirming that was eye-opening because then I realized that they watch you even if you live on Social Security and have no other income except a very tiny pension.

In a fair system I wouldn't be important at all and neither would you, but like you said "well, whatever, here we are."