Governments are devious, self-serving, up to no good. Just as psychiatrists are sinister, voyeuristic, not really doctors. Prejudice against authority figures is harmless and possibly healthy. Until we start to believe it. In fact, governments are just people. They have the same failings as the rest of us, but like us they are trying to do the right thing. What they do not have is clinical experience, and there lies our big chance. The government believes that power lies with clinicians and is desperate for our support. We can lead mental healthcare reform – unless, of course, we prefer the prejudice.