Does "engrained" mean that we take a stain well? If so, I agree.
Americans lie to each other. Sadly, this is pretty much expected behavior. Our various information gathering services have a long history of coming up with whatever intel will support whatever policies we desire:
The Navy wants a new weapon system? Just exaggerate the Soviet capabilities the system will defeat!
Really want to put away some lawbreakers? Just tell the FBI crime labs what results you want them to come up with!
Want to do some budget re-engineering? Just tell the OMB or CBO (whichever institution is more controlled by your party) if you want them to find big numbers or little numbers!
Anyone who isn't skeptical when a president says: "trust me", is stupid.