A politician is always looking out for his own interests. Always. If not by nature, and the better politicians, those who entered with an eye to serving the public, then by nurture. Winning an election, getting into power, staying in that power, requires constantly obtaining things- votes, money, favors- and the pattern of taking creates a dynamic of self-interest, in looking out for number one.

All politicians do this. Good politicians are aware of this. They can try to temper it. The best politicians, the ones who make statesmen and leaders, simply broaden the definition of self. I am interested, fiercely, selfishly in my community, in my state, in my country. No one denigrates the need for self interest. We all want the best for us.  A Talmudic dictum: If I will not be for myself, then who will be for me?

To an extent, that would mean that there isn’t the accepted, easily trashed conflict of interest between a leader and his earmarks. Depending on their content, and in moderation, they are the mark of a skilled, and not necessarily corrupt, politic. I disagree with the concept of big government. Vote it out if you can. However, while the system of the federal government doling out money to the people is the basis for providing services (which it is right now), it is the duty of every politician to provide for his people.

The stink of politics occurs in the sellout, the gross grabbing of government for things which will not serve the people, or serve them marginally. Charter schools with a Senator’s name. Money for grasshopper research. It’s always better spent.

That being said, it is noteworthy to see that the PLM (politic, learning centers/university, and media) have gotten what they wanted- unlimited money and their man in the White House.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2008/11/want-some-gover.html

This is worse than sellout; this is abuse of power. It leaves a longing for a statesman. And again, the only ones who suffer in this game our people like us. It would not be wise of us to forget the abuse.