I didn’t come here to harass. I came here to reward. — Who Framed Roger Rabbit

“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts” should have mentioned government.  When you take Caesar’s coin, you become Caesar’s slave.

A tyrant who buys your subservience is more insidious and much more dangerous than one who kicks in the door and forces your submission.  By accepting their largess, you make yourself part of the problem, and it becomes hard for you to oppose tyranny once it finally goes so far that you can’t help but recognize it.  Nothing is free, and you will pay a lot for gifts from those who want your loyalty and subservience, even if they come wrapped up in a bow and delivered with a paternal smile.