Why the long face?
Literally…Artificially Intelligent
Captured by the 0ldest control mechanism in the book, get them used to living beyond their normal means.
It appears many ONLY serve the pension and what it brings. Second income potential (as a cop or perhaps government contract that only hire those with 'clearance'), cushy retirement, the gibs.
Therefore, only SOME (perhaps few) are worth thanking for their service.
Shape shifting oligarchs trying to convince the people that they're on the good team, after raking in billions through vulture capitalism.