Former Alberta premier Alison Redford. Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell. Canadian senators Mike Duffy and Pamela Wallin. Former Liberal cabinet minister and disgraced London mayor Joe Fontana.

These are public representatives. They are accused of inappropriate spending. Most have not admitted it, and to be fair, their actions may have been perfectly appropriate.

But it does not look good.

It does not look fair.

It does not look right.

It does not look transparent.

It does not give voters faith in the public trust.

It does not inspire confidence in political leadership.

Is it any wonder that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, with his empty rhetoric and facile promises about ending "the gravy train," gets so much traction among everyday working taxpayers?

Do we have any right, as Canadians, to accuse governments of Asia, Africa or South America of the rampant corruption we associate with so-called "banana republics" when we have sophisticated leaders who are sometimes no better, and sometimes much worse?.

In too many cases, there is insufficient documentation or information from government employees and politicians for a proper investigation. And those involved seem unwilling to clearly and simply explain their actions.

No wonder voters everywhere are so cynical.

Finally, how has it come to this? How do otherwise intelligent, thoughtful politicians, who are well aware of the checks and balances of our system and the role of the media, allow themselves to become embroiled in such scandals?

If they are not guilty of inappropriate behaviour, why don't they simply explain themselves better?

Do they feel entitled? If so, why?

How is it that Redford and her staff, for example, felt it appropriate to use government planes for "personal and partisan purposes," or to take government planes on official business, when flying commercial would have been less expensive?

How is it that Fennell and her staff, for example, felt it was appropriate to break spending rules 265 times over seven years?

How is it that disgraced former Fontana, for example, felt it appropriate to doctor his personal expense form?

Is it stupidity?

Or is it what Alberta Auditor General Merwan Saher last week labelled the "aura of power?"

If so, we have work to do before democracy decays further.

How is the question I ask and look for constructive cooments