Proposition:

Cynicism is the scar tissue that we grow over wounds to our sense of decency.

But, as with physical wounds, unless the wound is clean, the scar tissue traps infections which prevent the process of healing and makes us more ill. >>

And so it has been with our politics. For decades, our response to evidence that some politicians are corrupt, morally bankrupt liars has been that “All politicians are corrupt, morally bankrupt liars.”

We have adopted this cynical view because we are impotent to change things.

Our electoral system gives us no real choice over who we get to represent us.

The candidates are chosen by the parties.

First past the post ensures that most of us don’t get the person we voted for.

Once elected, the candidates see their primary duty as supporting their party.

This is a democratic travesty, but one that we have no ability to change short of outright insurrection. No party will press for the necessary reforms because, even in opposition, its interests lie in the prospect of wielding the same undemocratic power one day.

“Oh, of course, we will use our power for good” they say. But you can’t use a bad power for good. Not for long anyway.

And so it goes on, year after year. So we take cover behind cynicism. But behind the scar tissue a deadly infection spreads: “They’re all corrupt. So what.”