Am I a hypocrite?

Great answer. Thanks.

Can I just say that what you said literally makes no sense? If you think it's silly not to use tax breaks then maybe you're not against it in the first place.

@offingg: I'm sorry it doesn't make sense to you

@CopperCicada: hence why I said it would be principled not to

However regarding hypocrisy "I don't think that word means what you think it means:

Hypocrisy: the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.

I think my definition is more nuanced abs more in line with the traditional understanding of the word -the OP isn't making any claims about her virtue

To me it would only be hypocrisy if she was claiming to be more morally virtuous than she is

For example, "I disagree with people who take advantage of affirmative action schemes. And I'd never do that!"

It is therefore more hypocritical to pretend you never do anything which contradicts with your beliefs (ethics is a stronger word and I don't think synonymous in this case) -because as you so correctly point out -this is pretty much universal

The OP didn't set the rules

I don't think binge drinking is healthy -does that make me a hypocrite if I get drunk?

@CopperCicada: well human society would be completely transformed for the better if more people took the harder path

Well done for wanting to be that person :-)