Conservatives say Americans must "wake up" if we're to save our country.  However, that implies that the people are asleep, unaware of increasing government oppression.

I submit that those apparently oblivious to America's increasing tyranny aren't really asleep.  No, much like citizens of ancient Rome, they're distracted, placated.

In ancient Rome, the government provided bread, oil, and wine to its urban population along with entertainment — chariot races or gladiatorial fights.  Food and entertainment kept the people busy, content, with their eyes off the government.  The distractions worked.

"[The people] which formerly gave military power, high offices, legions, all, now contains itself, and eagerly desires two things only — bread and circus games."

—Juvenal

Today, "bread and circuses" has been updated to fast food and smartphones.  The food's not free, but it is prepared, packaged, and just a phone call away.  These meals on demand takes the worry out of dinner and give people more free time for their phones.  And these phones are today's "circuses."

These modern-day games are held in the Virtual Arena, AKA the internet.  Here people can listen to music, watch sports or movies, shop online, play games, meet with friends, or duel with strangers any time day or night.  This entertainment keeps the people "busy, content."  It takes their eyes off the government.

For many Americans, this virtual world is their safe place, where they can control what they watch, whom they listen to, what they choose to believe.  In this world, they're respected, validated as paragons of virtue.