You are correct Ronald. I would only add that freedom of speech should not mean absence of discretion. Criticize ideas, not people

And if we throw out all the career politicians, who the heck will run for government office?

You have to appreciate a political snake in the grass for what he/she is: an effective tool to advance your agenda.

What seems to make people upset is they don't have the means/ability to get that snake to work for THEM...

I suspect if we upset big business (who likely control the snakes anyway) enough then they'll move elsewhere?

But yes, it's more interesting to follow sailing and work on all those issues...