If they are Caesars or Cromwells, they seize power for themselves. If they are spineless courtiers, uninterested in doing good yet dangerous when they seek to do harm, they go back to lay their power at their master’s feet, and help him to resume arbitrary power on condition they become his chief servants. ” — Maximilien Robespierre, 1791

What has changed since then? From 1791 to 2012. Two hundred twenty-one years have elapsed. Stooges act as Kings but act as puppets of powerful and manipulative lobbies. Was it ever different?