i guess the point i’m trying to make is that a few people are very very effective at what we’re calling evil (not entirely sure how broadly we’re defining that) and have, due to their positions, shaped the rules of The System to their advantage.

i think we’re looking at different ends of The System, though. probably just differences in our experience. some of the rules, yes, function as limitations. some are more aspirational. stuff like research or public service grants. there are a lot of societal functions where charitable organizations are filling the gap left in government services. they often get grants from the government to run said services, in essence making them quasi-governmental corporations.

essentially there’s the part of The Rules (both written down and socially implied norms) describing what the folk running the system should be doing if they’re acting in good faith. then there’s the part punishing people if they aren’t engaging with the system in good faith. it all kind of breaks down when a significant portion of the population starts engaging with the system in bad faith, especially if those people are in positions to write or enforce The Rules governing the system.