It's hard not to give up hope, but we must hold fast. 

How many Trump voters were swayed by the idea that a billionaire wouldn't be in the pocket of special interests? They were all hoping for an end to corruption. 

How many Dems were ready to clean house at party headquarters after learning how Sanders was aced out of the nomination? They were all hoping for an end to corruption. 

Both groups seem to have lost. 

Soon, very soon, computers like IBM's Watson, using deep learning, will be able to analyze (literally) every situation and (literally) every solution. They'll also be able to select the best response. Perhaps when this occurs the public will have access to truly independent truths, and we'll be able to dispense with the charlatans.