If you don't think our current president is pushing hard towards a dictatorship, read the book entitled: "Worse than Watergate", by John W. Dean (a former Nixon attorney).

On another note, I had a small amount of personal experience with politics when I became president of my Homeowners Association a few years ago (I'm not in that neighborhood now). It had 535 single-family homes and I had to run the monthly board meetings, keep the Association within budget, handle complaints and suggestions, follow various compliance laws, etc. It was an unpaid position.

Based on that experience, I have to admit that I now have some compassion for elected officials - not a LOT - but some.

There is simply no way to please everyone. No matter what decision you make as a politician towards the greater good, SOMEONE will fight it and sometimes vehemently. There are some real nut cases out there.

At the same time, you have to try to see the big picture and do what is best for whatever constituents you have. It is not an easy position.

Unfortunately, I think the current system is rigged in that an honest politician will NOT be able to rise in visibility enough to get the power to do some actual good on a large scale. Only those who are power craving, willing to step on anyone in their way, and lie, cheat or steal to get votes will be able to rise to the top. Ron Paul is an example of this theory in action.