There is truth to that, but these kind of companies have crossed all lines. Takes a lot before truly greedy politicians intervene, it is against their nature.

I fully agree with your historical point, I read about thensoutj sea company in the uk and the stake holders, i was shocked, but nor surprised. The wikipedia page actually makes for good reading if you have time.

People get the government they deserve; if they do not participate in the process. You can organize people around a common mission, but its hard to convince people of future harm, when they haven't yet been burned. The "help" is merely theoretical. Now that these companies are actually harming people - it will be easier, but the damage has already been done.