This kind of defines the problem:

"To do so requires the courage to understand that although many voters do not fully see the big picture, it’s up to politicians to establish common sense priorities. Avoiding the issue unless pressed by the electorate is not good enough."

You call them politicians, broadly speaking, a "politician" can be anyone who seeks to achieve political power in any government. Their motivation is power not progress. The surest path to that power is to woo supporters, tell them what they want to hear.

Yes, we need leaders not politicians or representatives.

TEK