content: Remember that when you're at your next sporting game, and the "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave" part comes up, and see if you can say it with a straight face.  The Romans had a phrase for this: Bread and Circuses. From the Wiki article on the phrase itself:  This phrase originates from Rome in Satire X of the Roman satirical poet Juvenal (circa A.D. 100). In context, the Latin panem et circenses (bread and circuses) identifies the only remaining cares of a Roman populace which no longer cares for its historical birthright of political involvement. Here Juvenal displays his contempt for the declining heroism of contemporary Romans.[5] Roman politicians passed laws in 140 B.C. to keep the votes of poorer citizens, by introducing a grain dole: giving out cheap food and entertainment, "bread and circuses", became the most effective way to rise to power.  The Democraps and Republitards are working hand in hand. The Dems push for the bread, and the Reps provide the circuses.