Long ago. The political parties are a barrier to entry. The public gets to choose between pre-approved globalists, although sometimes a non-approved candidate gets in. The vote is a sham. We are ruled because the public allows itself to be cowed and ruled by hollow and false platitudes such as "rule of law."
May our chains rest lightly. The people aren't going to assert their power in a meaningful way. They'll vent, of course, but any significant threat will be put down with force of violence from the ruling class.
Yep. And, they are chomping at the bit to do so, just WAITING for the opportunity.