Yes, everything is a mere formality on the quest for power.
I teach a class for people who are preparing to take the U.S. citizenship test. There is a question on the application for citizenship— “Do you support the Constitution of the United States?” I ask them what that means and they are really not sure. I tell them it means we respect and live by the Constitution and the laws of the land, and that we respect and support the rights of our fellow citizens that are guaranteed by the Constitution.
One big problem we have is that there are too many Americans — both in and out of government — who don’t get that part. What counts is that their side wins, no matter the cost.
Excellent comment on the “me, me, me” powerseekers and moral/ethical corruption that goes with it.
Instead of “First we shoot all the lawyers, let’s change it to first we shoot all the politicians”.