If only it weren't so. More than a few are incompetent. Yes, some are malevolent. Most are just self-interested like most of us. Maximizing their personal benefits.

Given a choice between what is good and right and what will most benefit themselves they will choose what benefits themselves. Just like almost everyone.

Some, a very few, would do the right thing every time regardless of if it will cost them personally. That is one thing about rich politicians, they are not as worried about the money as the less wealthy politicians.

TEK