Mr. Dubrall,
I don't doubt there have been "rulers" with integrity, conscience, and compassion.  However, I'm more of the belief that those in authority simply had an easier time covering up the truth.  The advent of social media and the digital age of information has really made it difficult to keep things under wraps.  The voice of one can be heard by the masses.  

80-100 years ago it was much easier for the opinion of the population to be controlled.  Imagine - one newspaper that everyone reads vs the multitude of news "sources" on the internet.    

On the other extreme, what we are seeing today is the phenomenon of people living in digital "echo boxes," where they can seek out like-minded individuals and opinions and then live in their false world.

I posted a comment above, essentially describing the justice system and the reason for the secrecy of grand jury hearings.  I believe i have the most "disbelief" reactions.  People refuse to seek truth if it isn't agreeable.