There 8s always someone, or a group of some sort, that exploit whatever is going on....after WWI, some of them were tried and executed.......

They always do.

The mafia, too, use patronage. So do corrupt politicians in many African countries, Kenya being a prime example, with candidates handing out free T-shirts, gifts of food and bribes at election time. Once elected, of course, they ignore the voters until the next election looms.

Reminds me of what the church do to win over the hearts and minds of the Poor. Drug Cartel and the church are no different. They both use Charity to exploit people.