> but how do we stop it? Can it be stopped, or is corruption in government, just something we're forced to live with forever?

Excellent question - the question of our time.

I think you'd have to learn what lessons you can from the peace movements of South Africa, East Germany, the color revolutions and so on.

However, this raises the question: if the government has unofficially declared war on the civilian public - should the public declare war on the government?

These books by Gene Sharpe are worthy of further study (especially "From Dictatorship to Democracy"):

http://www.aeinstein.org/english

Perhaps a new form of government entirely? e.g. decision making using the jury system:

http://equalitybylot.wordpress.com

Very encouraging that more people are becoming aware of the machinations of power. The real terrorists are much closer to home unfortunately ...