How Much Can We Criticise Our Politicians?
Are we in a position to judge?
Politicians are humans, and the country from which I'm writing (England) has a relatively uncorrupt government. Does that mean I should go easy on our politicians? Not at all. In fact, I'd argue they're pretty awful people, and we shouldn't give them a pass. They might not be lizards or an elite class of psychopathic paedophiles like I recently had the first-hand experience of realising some people believe, but many are repulsive.
The people I keep in my life have a moral centre guiding how they frequently navigate situations. This means not always making decisions according to what is easiest but what aligns with their sense of right and wrong. If put in a position of great responsibility, they tend to do their due diligence and not credulously take what somebody requests.
As a politician, after recognising what "the people" want, one should assess whether or not the public's expectations are immoral. Considering these people's power, I expect more of them than my friends. They have an elevated duty not to conform for the sake of a simpler life. When people's freedom and welfare are in the balance, bending to the opinion of your loudest supporters is no way to live morally.
If these politicians have an excuse, it's this: they are so busy unquestioningly passing laws and illegitimately wielding power that they don't have time to care about the consequences of their actions.
Like everyone, politicians have reasons to behave as they do. Even if you have a reason for acting shamefully, you haven't justified it.