Our founders were great men, but they were still men. I say that not to be derisive, but only as a reflection of my admiration for them and how they accomplished so much while dealing with and overcoming many of the very same faults and foibles that we all have.
They were so aware of the foibles of human nature and of their own weaknesses, yet were able craft a system that worked to protect against and counter those weaknesses.
Alas, time has chipped away and corrupted that system. Yet I will remain optimistic that what was done before can be done again.