Paft: You don't think "power and prestige" can be found in the private sector?
sw: Of course they can be found in the private sector. Just as well paying jobs can be found in the public sector.

Those "well-paying jobs" are highly unlikely to be as well paid as private sector jobs.

sw: That said, who is more likely to be taken advantage of, he you trusts everyone, or he who trusts none?

In the political arena, both are just as likely to be taken advantage of.