I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to
tremble for the safety of my country... corporations have been enthroned and an
era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country
will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people
until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.

-- U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 21, 1864