It has always been this way, and we're supposed to have a system of government that realizes and actively fights this desire. Over the past several decades, ho

It has always been this way, and we're supposed to have a system of government that realizes and actively fights this desire. Over the past several decades, however, the system of self-restraints has broken, however, probably irreparably. I don't think there was any one reason or master conspiracy or anything -- just lots of little compromises made by people doing the best they could. Understanding why it happened doesn't make it any better, though. Back in Lincoln's day you could ride all the way to DC, wait in line at the White House, and based on a lottery be able to go in and talk to the president. And he would feel embarrassed for whatever problems you had and would listen to you patiently. Those days are long gone. And the goal of perfect safety for elected officials is still just as far away now as it was then. Not a good trade for the republic.