Always comes back to this...is it worth it?

I came in to work yesterday to some devastating news-my VP "resigned"...that is in quotes because we all know it was a forced resignation. My first reaction was one of disgust, because all of us think the wrong person was "shot". I have been at this company for almost 6 years, and most of that time has allowed me growth, if not in title, but in responsibility as well as knowledge. The last 8 months or so has been difficult for all of us. A new leader was brought in, and at first, no big deal. But once this person got a better understanding of the business and began to insinuate him/herself into our operations, the pain began. My particular department's pain began a few months ago, and it seems that my VP was the sacrificial lamb. My former VP is a standup person, always professional, intelligent, and even sensitive to family demands, and he/she will be missed by all of us. Does this prove that the nice guy always finishes last? This has been so disheartening...I've said this before, I leave my 2 beatuful children at home w/someone other than me, for this??? Is it worth it?