What is the purpose and goal of "politics"?

"Politics" has almost become a dirty word nowadays.

Someone once described its roots as "poli" and "tics"..."Poli" meaning many and "tics" meaning blood-sucking insects.

But at some time in our past, "politics" was not always so lightly appreciated. During Greek and Roman times, a "politician" was a person that was generally held in the highest respect.

Some believed "politicians" had a higher calling. They were men of principle who discussed means to help the greatest masses of people, by means of "government".

"Government" was not always a bad idea. Starvation, crime, and general anarchy were not the best way for our citizens to live. So they formed "governments".

So, what should we expect from this "government"? Yes, we wish to be protected from rampaging hordes? And we wish, at the least, the most basic survival needs be made available to each and every citizen. That seems to me to be the most basic of requirements from government?

And "government" created roads, streets, and lamps, and provided local police for peace in the neighborhoods. And the idea worked quite well.

What is your idea of "politics" and "politicians"?

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