About the corrupting influence of D.C. on seemingly honest and well intentioned people, I think it goes to Obama’s underlings using “the Chicago way” on them. They go directly at key people and decapitate organizations set up to protect us. Such as AARP was a bulwark to represent seniors against government but it got compromised in no time. All the Inspectors General have been compromised by direct threats and intimidation. (”either shut up or resign or we will ruin you” - and media helps the regime enforce it). I fear that the NRA will be similarly co-opted. A few rounds of golf and invites to meet Beyonce at White House may turn the staunchest leaders away from the quaint goal of representing ‘the people’ (a chump’s errand).
To me it started pre-Obama with Ken Starr. Who would have ever thought they could bamboozle and flummox an Independent Counsel? Certainly Reagan got no where with Walsh and Dubya and Rove were nearly run out of town by Fitzgerald. Bottom line is we can’t count on anyone except ourselves to make the difference.
They they started getting sued by the EPA and started losing. Now they hire snipers to take out our guys. Just as you contend.