The Fix Is In

1. Create conditions that make people dependent on government largesse
2. Gradually eliminate the means to effect change in the government
3. Be sure to give people "cover" - ie: Scapegoats - so they can continue to "vote" against the "unworthy other" and in favor of those who hand out the goodies to the "real Americans".

Many of the rubes are convinced they're being patriotic, and making noble sacrifices in keeping with the traditions of service to their country.

This is the treachery and the insidiousness of creeping authoritarianism. It gradually poisons democracy while preaching to the mob that they're drinking a magic elixir, guaranteed to cure all their ills.