Eldritch
is insensitive
We do have overlords. They are called corporations and various pressure groups. Don't even think for a second that US government is some benevolent entity with the best intentions for us. The lobbyist for vested interests get us to go to wars, stay in those wars, waste money on roads to nowhere, fund weapons that have no use, open military bases where they are not needed, waste funds on creating departments that serve only themselves.
What the fuck does that have to do with anything? People have power and they use it to gain more. It has always been that way and always will. The difference in nations is the systems they allow to distribute that power and the standard of living that creates for society at large. If you are possibly suggesting that having corporation in power creates an equal or inferior standard of living for society at large than having Drug Cartels in power, you need to get your head checked.