During a recent Vermont Senate session, a powerful discussion emerged about the growing distrust in politicians and the implications for democracy. One senator highlighted the troubling trend of public skepticism towards elected officials, referencing a quote from former President George H. W. Bush, who lamented the obstacles posed by "Washington politicians."

The senator emphasized that this skepticism is rooted in the significant power politicians wield, including the ability to create laws that can lead to criminal charges and the authority to tax citizens. "Keeping our noses clean is part of the job," the senator remarked, underscoring the importance of public trust in maintaining a functional democracy.

However, the senator warned that this trust is eroding. He pointed out that many citizens now view politicians as adversaries rather than representatives, which threatens the very foundation of democratic governance. The discussion also touched on the alarming perception that the judicial system is untrustworthy, with some defendants claiming persecution rather than seeking justice.

This crisis of confidence, the senator argued, is exacerbated by widespread beliefs that elections are rigged and that the government is fundamentally flawed. He called for an orderly system that not only holds the guilty accountable but also protects the innocent, stressing that restoring public trust is essential for a healthy democracy. The session concluded with a call to action for lawmakers to address these issues and rebuild confidence in political institutions.