Politics are chaotic everywhere you look these days.
In North Carolina, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson is accused of posting ugly and outrageous comments on a porn site message board more than a decade ago. Robinson, a Republican, has denied posting the message.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal fraud, bribery and campaign finance charges. Adams, a Democrat, is accused of “abusing his position as the city’s highest-ranking official… to accept bribes and solicit illegal campaign contributions,” U.S. Attorney Damien Williams said Thursday. He said this at a press conference.
And of course, former president and possibly future president Donald Trump faces numerous state and federal charges ranging from election interference to mishandling classified documents.
Meanwhile, the rest of us are trying to figure out whether we should vote for people who keep getting caught up in scandal after scandal. Our political leaders appear more power-hungry and scandal-driven than ever.
Working secretly as an agent for a foreign government?
Adams’ accusations are particularly shocking. He became the first New York mayor to be criminally charged while in office. This says a lot, considering New York’s long and less-than-innocent history.
The 57-page indictment accuses Adams of misconduct dating back 10 years. He is even accused of working as an agent for the Turkish government. On Friday, the mayor pleaded not guilty to five corruption charges in federal court.
Incredibly, Mr. Adams is not the only New York City official charged this month with secretly working as an agent for a foreign government.
Opinion: Eric Adams owes New York City and its residents his resignation.
On September 3, Linda Sun, former chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, was indicted on federal charges of working as an agent for the Chinese government. Son’s husband is also suspected of receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks from Chinese leaders.
The apparent corruption doesn’t stop at Hudson. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey resigned last month after being found guilty of bribery on behalf of the Egyptian government.
These are just a few examples. Dozens of other leaders at the local, state, and federal levels have been accused of horrific errors in judgment and outright corruption.
Has American politics degenerated?
Politics may not be as chaotic today as it was in previous generations. Because politics is about gaining and using power, it often brings out the worst in people.
Throughout history, politics has been tainted by corruption and blood. Julius Caesar was assassinated in ancient Rome. Henry VIII turned the religion and politics of England upside down because of his lust, decapitating the object of his desire to get rid of her.
Our own nation’s history has also been violent and often corrupt, from Teapot Dome to Watergate.
Opinion: Trump is not a real threat to democracy. The people trying to kill him are would-be assassins.
But scandals aside, politics seems to have changed – or should I say devolved? − In recent years. Our politicians seem more selfish and entitled. Facts are more important than scoring political points. Divisiveness is valued over unity.
As I listen to the Congressional hearings now, I think what a bunch of loud, bitter, arrogant idiots they are.
The culture has changed. Are there people?
It is quite possible that cultural changes are influencing the behavior of current politicians. Technology has made many useful things affordable and accessible, and many of us spend hours every day scrolling through our social media feeds. Apps meet our needs and phones communicate our desires. The daily drudgery that once filled a person’s life is no longer as boring or all-consuming as it was just a few decades ago.
While we may be strong, we may also have become weak.
The values that once gave life meaning have largely diminished, church attendance has declined, fewer people are getting married, and birth rates have declined.
Younger generations have difficulty working, leaving home, and even getting a driver’s license. A meaningless existence was replaced by an empty feeling of power and childishness.
We are now modern Romans, tired of wealth and republics, seeking bread and circuses, apps and entertainment.
Despite how ugly everything looks, our politics are, at least on the surface, more civilized than they have been throughout much of history. However, ambitious, selfish and corrupt people are still drawn to the flames of power and influence.
And scandal and chaos are sure to follow.
Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four children. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, delivered to your inbox.
