They would sell their souls.

It takes a special kind of being to run for public office. Particularly at the highest levels. Such as Congress. It takes real effort. But more than anything, it takes money and a fantastic ego. An ego that knows no bounds. Not anyone can run successfully. Because the candidate must learn to play the political game. And to be driven. Mostly by ego. And that is exactly what ruins politics. Modest, dignified people can't make a go of it. They wouldn't even try. Because it's against their nature. So it should be no surprise that politics draws scumbags and people of little redeeming principle. Many of 'em would make good Mafia bosses. In search of power. Control over other people. Of course, I'd like to see an overhaul of the American political system. Or most any political system, for that matter. It's all basically corrupt. Little that those of us that sit on the sidelines can do about it. Even well-intentioned people, such as Barack Obama, are hamstrung once they get into public office. They are overwhelmed by the system. They are caught up in a flow that they can't control. Swept away by the sheer numbers of incompetents in public office. The system has been groomed for idiots to thrive. For the inmates to rule the insane asylum. Even by mentally-disturbed war mongers. I've seen politicians. Up close. It was my job to interview many of 'em. Particularly at the local, county and state levels. And the ones that advanced to the higher levels had gigantic egos. And an unrelenting yearning/quest for power. And celebrity. Politics became their game. They liked it. The cruelty. The conniving. The feeling that they are in roles to manipulate. Nothing sooths their egos more than that. A blending of fame and fortune and power. And no qualms about selling their souls to the devil. --Jim Broede