Will politicians fight for what's good for the country?

I know why I could never get elected: I believe in doing what's best for the common good, and not always for what I believe in. In my 20 years in the Air Force, does anyone really think as an enlisted man I got to do what I thought was right? Now, as I spent more time in the Air Force, got some rank, and was put in position of some authority, of course I had some say. But does anyone think that even in leading people, I got to do what I think was best? I got a voice in deciding, but was rarely the final decision. And once I saw what was needed, or what was decided, I did what I could to ensure its success. And once a decision was made, I could tell people what they needed to know to do what was necessary. In this day and age, I know that I couldn't be elected. But does that mean that all politicians can't do what's best for the country? It sure seems like it to me.

I read that one Senator was in talks with the NRA to see if universal background checks for guns can be voted on and passed. Another said that there was no way that the background checks could pass. Now, this is an law that over 90% of all Americans believe should be enacted. Are the senators really saying that they can't go back to their state and explain why they voted for this law? This goes for other items too, ones that have a majority of people who believe that these laws should be enacted. Items such as magazine restrictions , the ban on the making of some rifles, and social issues such as legal equality for everyone. Now, you're saying that as a liberal, I could easily go against the NRA and the far right on such issues. That's true, but I could also go against the AARP on issues on means testing social security, and the environmental lobby on the Keystone Pipeline, which I've already said  that I want built. Would I change any of their minds? I doubt it, and maybe they could change my mind, although I doubt it. But I believe that I could get them to understand why I voted or would vote for such things. Why? Because I really believe that most Americans in every state want their representative to do what's best for the country. And I think that is what all elected officials should do. Money makes it difficult, but not impossible. And really, if an elected official can be swayed by money but not reasoning, do we really want that person representing us?

All representatives should, of course, represent their people. But can't they also fight for what's good for the country over everything else? I really don't know any more, and that makes a little sad on this snowy Sunday afternoon.