What you say is true, but collectively people are ultimately to blame for their non-vigilance when their rights are slowly eroded. Look at even small groups of

What you say is true, but collectively people are ultimately to blame for their non-vigilance when their rights are slowly eroded. Look at even small groups of common people, the most power hungry get to the top, common people vote for the most charismatic/popular, not the most competent. Blaming the powerful evil people is self defeating and absolves personal responsibility. Common people are also a divided lot. Petty issues, bickering and entertainment keep them engaged. As the saying goes: divide and rule.