[Gaffer]

When conquering rulers invaded foreign lands, they invariably would leave compliant governors, magistrates, etc. behind to keep up the looting and keep a thumb on the people.

The Federal government is no different here. They relinquish part of the money, divvy up the booty (while still maintaining ridiculous regulatory control) and let the local henchmen ‘get some’ of the pie. Greed is the common denominator.

[Paladin2]

"Every year, the outlaws swing out of the trees, rob the merchants and ride back to Washington D.C. for a glorious feast over the stolen goods, which they may in some small way share with a few peasants, to secure their support. "

http://sultanknish.blogspot.com/2012/06/lawless-society.html