'A dying empire led by bad people': Poll finds young voters despairing over US politics

[misanthrope]

10. It takes exceptional character to withstand corruption's allure in politics

It so often starts small, then becomes larger as time passes. First their egos become addicted to the rush, to the deference and constant stroking. Then they begin to feel a little impervious and rationalize their efforts to "help" peers and pals, then finally themselves as the swaddling of rationalizations mount.

As someone whose political awareness was constructed when I was in grade school watching the Watergate hearings then catching up to the details through MAD magazine, I can't fault these kids. Such a perspective circumvents the naiveté that allowed things like the Reagan Revolution's undercutting of a preceding POTUS bearing refreshingly high character.

And those who are more acutely aware of politicos' susceptibility to corruption should be more determined to devise and maintain safeguards to our system. And to hold feet to the fire.