Politicians are narcissistic, corrupt and brutal

“Among politicians a high degree of narcissism is very frequent; it may be considered an occupational illness – or asset…He cannot do without the narcissistic inflation because his human core – conviction, conscience, love, and faith – is not very developed. Extremely narcissistic persons are often almost forced to become famous, since otherwise they might become depressed and insane…Popular success is, as it were, their self-therapy against depression and madness. In fighting for their aims, they are really fighting for their sanity.”
Erich Fromm, The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness, 229-230

"The 'system' coheres, a massive old boys' network of mutual stroking, of vagary, big money, guile, treachery, self interest, bunkum, low and high cunning—the system is adamant as oak, tough and durable...." "Give him time. He will become the sedulous ape of those he fondly thought to instruct in altitudinous ways. He will sop up the etiquette, the abstractions and distractions and cabals and blood-ridden decisions." Daniel, Daniel Berrigan. Page 15 - 16.