I think all of the above question can be aptly summed up by the following quotes:
“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” Thomas Jefferson
“there is no such thing as consistent stupidity as those acting in a randomly stupid manner will occasionally err in your favor" - Hon. RS Furlong
