>>The only thing that's keeping the political systems in check is the pitchforks on the horizon and the fear thereof.
>
>It's been that way for a long time, if not always e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grain_supply_to_the_city_of_Rome#Politics_and_the_grain_supply , "Bread and circuses", "Opiate of the masses" etc.

That too - making as many people dependent on the state as possible.