Politics is dirty. In order to get to the level where one is in the House or the Senate, so many deals have to be made, that virtually everyone is compromised by the time they get there. It's not the politicians who are at fault, but the people who elect them. I am so discouraged by my fellow citizens. Does anyone study history? Does anyone know anything about civic?

I taught history and government (which is sort of civics). I'm not sure these are even required courses anymore.

But what do we do? Give up? Stop voting? Stop caring? We choose the best horse we can in each race and hold our noses. Is it very different in the UK, or does everyone have to compromise to get to a serious post?