Brilliant, Edward, just brilliant

Commenting on a post over at England Expects, Edward Spalton hits the nail on the head when the question arises as to what happened to honour and principle amongst politicians. He quotes from Gilbert & Sullivan's 'Ruddigore':

"You supple MPs who go down on your knees,
Your precious identity sinking,
Who vote black or white as your leaders indite,
(which saves you the trouble of thinking).

For your country's good fame, her repute or her shame,
You don't give the snuff of a candle -
But you're paid for your game when you're told that your name
Will be graced by a baronet's handle"

And on 'democratised dictatorship' (iron control by party leaders) I am prompted to add these words from Private Willis (Iolanthe) - also prompted by Edward Spalton:

"When in that House, MPs divide,
If they've a brain and cerebellum too,
They've got to leave that brain outside
And vote just as their leaders tell 'em to.

But then the prospect of a lot
Of dull MPs in close proximity,
All thinking for themselves is what
No man can face with equanimity."