You've got my second on that!
This is the "Lord of the Flies" phenomenon. There are (unfortunately) a large number of people out there who are only restrained in their behavior by threat of force. Of course this is precisely why Communism/Socialism can never succeed. Many can and do behave like civilized citizens, interested in only their earned share, and in helping their fellow man. The remainder (the great unwashed masses) are little more than animals with just a thin veneer of civilization disguising their true nature.
I fear for our society's long term survival.
As one morning talk show host said today--"Friends, with what we are seeing in New Orleans, it is clear to me that we are barely a stumble or two away from going back into the Dark Ages."
Sadly he might be correct.