According to a recent Associated Press-GfK poll, close to 90 percent of American voters are frustrated with the nation’s political discourse and 58 percent rate themselves as furious with our elected officials.

That’s understandable, as the stalemate in Washington and middling appeal of presumptive candidates is enough to draw an f-word or two from all but the most saintly amongst us. But we must remember who ultimately created the mess we now perceive before us.

Yes, the voters.

Think back to when a number—perhaps a majority—of Americans applauded candidates who did not change their opinions, were not “flip-floppers.” Politics involves both a learning curve and willingness to compromise, but we demanded that they stand firm and unyielding.

Recall how some voters cheered Tea Party shouting, the interruptive tactics of naysayers at town hall meetings or “you lie” outbursts in Congress itself. To listen, even to people who disagree with your point of view, is to become better informed. To be informed is the first step toward more enlightened governance.

We elected Bill Clinton because we were frustrated with the economy. We elected George W. Bush in search of swagger after years of prosperity accompanied by perceived moral decay. Weary of war and the onset of recession, we turned to Barack Obama. We elected Boehner, Pelosi, Cantor and the rest.

Rarely do we engage in any real examination of the candidates, the issues and our own personal biases. We want small government and lower taxes, as well as schools, services, clean water a strong military and everything operating on taxes and government.

So if we are going to direct f-words—frustrated or furious—at the state of American politics, we should direct some of those at ourselves.

For politics to change, we must change.