Ed T: "But, the real question is, whose interests are governments serving at any particular time (up front, and behind the scenes), that of society, local small industry and the environment, or the folks who fund the election of their party?"

Perhaps, the ones who bribe them the best...regardless of what agenda is hidden, for controlling those who are duped into electing them!
Just shut up, do your work for low wages, pay your high taxes, pay for overpriced worthless crap, and don't question where its all going, or how they're getting there, or going to do! They control..you obey!.....and do so with programmed enthusiasm!
.....and for God's sakes, do NOT be a free individual with free thought. Those are troublemakers.....and a threat, for sure!
GfS