Shades of 17th century Algernon Sidney.
Paraphrasing, it wise to assume everyone in government is a rogue and knave whose first purpose is his own enrichment.
Jacquerie,
Getting back to you after a month. Wanted to thank you for introducing the 17th century Algernon Sidney.
Wikiquotes has a few great quotes of his. And I’ll note that his is one pundit who was executed for his writings by the English King.