Politicians.

Politics is a noble profession practiced by ancient Greek philosophers, handed on to Cicero in Rome, and carried down to our time, ideally dedicated to universal principles. For such dedication, though, Cicero's tongue was gouged out just before he was stabbed to death on a country road in Italy about 45 BC.

Unfortunately, most politicians in America turn out to be anything but noble. Like most of their forebears, no doubt, they became panderers, soliciting votes to sustain their own personal lifestyles, which includes plum, undemanding jobs with great benefits, nice homes and enough money to send their kids to the best schools.

I don't think this is what the American revolutionaries, many of them politicians, had in mind when they committed to democratic elections.