A swear word?

Curious? The title may bring such a reaction and for two reasons. One, you may wonder if I do use swear words. Let's pretend:
You: Do you swear that you use swear words?
Me: I do.
I have not used swear words on others but have used them on occasion in response to my own foolish acts. Responding this way may seem a little harsh or a little foolish. I agree but that's not the focus of this post.
Two, you may be curious about the possible swear word. When that word is revealed you may be shocked. You may even use a swear word (hopefully not). If you do then use the word I am about to reveal as your swear word. The word is politician. What? Am I serious? Sorry to disappoint you, but I am serious. Let me explain.

The eleventh edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary (2004) defined swear word as "an offensive or obscene word". The word politician should be placed in this category. The way our politicians conduct themselves usually evokes a response of disgust. One of the definitions of a politician is "a person who acts in a manipulative and devious way to gain advancement for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons" (Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 2004; Merriam-Webster, 2010).

Our politicians are also called elected leaders. The adjective is true but not the noun. Our politicians seem incapable of fulfilling their roles as leaders. Our politicians are seemingly too immersed in partisanship and personal gains instead of the peoples' well-being. This highlights the urgent need for leadership and for being a politician to take a backseat. A brief look at politicians across the globe will not lead to any significant discoveries or distinctions. Of course there are different political views and philosophies but the conclusion is the same. Politicians don't provide the leadership necessary for their country's effective functioning. However, we have to shoulder the blame as well. Here are a few reasons why:
One, we depend too heavily on politicians to be our saviors. We expect politicians to fix all of our problems. We expect them to create policies to meet our every need. We have these expectations without much thought to the broader consequences.
Two, we rely too heavily on what politicians say and less on their leadership skills and values. I am not talking about their political ideologies only but their personal values. Anyone can make promises. Anyone can claim a group's political ideologies as their own in order to gain advancement. This also applies to a politician's claiming specific religious ideologies.
Three, we get so caught up in partisanship that we are willing to cover up or excuse our party's intentional wrongdoings. In addition, we are also quick to find any area of fault and/or not give credit to another party.
Four, we don't pursue strict accountability within our political preferences. As such, we allow our politicians to conduct themselves in any manner they choose.

Here are some differences between a leader and a politician:
- A politician beats around the bush, but a leader gives a straight and honest answer.
- A politician seeks personal and party advancement, but a leader seeks the advancement of the people      regardless of their political persuasion.
- A politician is short-sighted, but a leader is far-sighted and has a holistic outlook as well.
- A politician flip-flops, but a leader remains true regardless and is also willing to admit mistakes.
- A politician says what he or she does, but a leader does what he or she says.

In light of the expressed thoughts, I do think that the word politician is synonymous with swear words. The actions of politicians are usually obscene and offensive. Also, when I examine my life, sometimes I act like a politician. For that reason as well, I do want to swear. Instead I'll just say the word, Politician.