"Either a prince spends that which is his own or his subjects' or else that of others. In the first case he ought to be sparing, in the second he ought not to neglect any opportunity for liberality. And to the prince who goes forth with his army, supporting it by pillage, sack, and extortion, handling that which belongs to others, this liberality is necessary, otherwise he would not be followed by soldiers.

And of that which is neither yours nor your subjects' you can be a ready giver, as were Cyrus, Caesar, and Alexander; because it does not take away your reputation if you squander that of others, but adds to it; it is only squandering your own that injures you."

- Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince, ch 16

You think you are a citizen, but you are an "other" to the (Establishment Left) politician hoping to "vote bank" by pulling foreigners with your money (welfare) and pushing them with your money (bombs).

And to the Establishment Right looking to "wage restraint" you into poverty and subservience by competition with the same tools.