Just started reading, have a question about the level of political commentary

So, I was absolutely loving the first book until I got to this paragraph in chapter 12, after Richard asks Zedd why anyone would support Darken Rahl:

They wish to have a leader who will cut the taller plants so the sun will reach them. They think no plant should be allowed to grow taller than the shortest, and in that way give light to all. They would rather be provided a guiding light, regardless of the fuel, than light a candle themselves.

This paragraph really pissed me off, and it took me off guard as I didn't know much about the series before starting. Even if Terry and I were in agreement here, it would still bother me immensely. I feel that fantasy fiction just isn't the place for that kind of thing unless it's extremely subtle, because it takes me out of the world the author has constructed and brings me back to the real one.

I tried some google searches, and I found some people saying the later books get really preachy, but I'd like some other opinions before I give up on the series. Are the political messages always few and far between, or will they start to become impossible to ignore? I love all the characters so far, most of all Zedd in spite of him the one speaking this quote.

I don't want to get in a political philosophy discussion here, I just want to know how much stuff there is like this, and if I should continue reading or move on to something else.