The way i see it is that the super rich (mostly american super rich) are always up to evil shit and their grip has gotten very tight largely thanks to their success in convincing poor, under educated, religious people that republicans are their party when they are in fact the party of big business. Of course the democrats are all complete pussies and 99% bought and paid for by lobbyist but the republican party being dragged so far right since the carl rove administration has provided a perfect avenue for pushing extreme political changes like the patriot act and economic deregulation.
Commitment to nearly unregulated capitalism has and will continue to allow those with the most money to exercise their wills.