Politicians

I am beginning to wonder if "politician" is the definition of unprincipled liar.  A few weeks ago, on a Sunday, I was watching a pair of politicians discuss their "viewpoints" on the Elena Kagan nomination to be a Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States of America.  One of these "gentlemen" was in favor of the nomination, the other opposed.  After each had his say, the reporter correctly stated that each of them said exactly the opposite of what they were now saying, when another President from another party nominated someone else to the Court.  Whatever happened to principles?  Shouldn't politicians vote their actual consciences, assuming they have consciences?  Must they simply follow the line of their respective parties?  Money rules politics, pure and simple.  Is it patriotic to simply oppose the President and whatever he does, regardless of what it is?  If politicians just follow the line of their parties, why do we need them?  Get the viewpoints of the parties and dispose of the need for the politicians.  Dump 'em, who needs the politicians if they are a mindless lot, afraid to avow a single individual thought.  It would go a long way to reducing the deficit.  No wonder the Senate adjourned for the Holiday without extending unemployment benefits for the millions on the verge of losing them.  And they had the nerve to talk about their principles.  What principles?  Millions on the verge of losing their unemployment benefits, and these honorable "ladies and gentlemen" who have jobs paying around $175,000 and who have lifetime health benefits adjourned and went home.  Very principled.  What was it that Marie Antoinette said about cake?