That's what politicians do.
If the people aren't happy with those politicians they can remove them.
People have the government they deserve.
It's an interesting question. Is the hat off thing more east coast? I live in Oregon and Washington and I *never* see people take their hats off. I see hats on in theatres, restaurants, church. I think they do make you take your hat off in court, but I haven't been there for 15 years so it may have changed too.
Is taking your hat off when, for instance, you sit down to eat a "old school" manners thing, or is it a "eastern" custom that never took hold in the west?