Don't ask others to do what you won't do yourself

Politics and politicians have always harbored their share of hypocrisy, so it is no great surprise to hear plenty emanating from the mouths of the pols of 2008.

A great old saw, that definitely applies in business and non-profit leadership is "Don't ask others to do what you won't do yourself." It should apply to politics and politicians, but very obviously doesn't.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, speaking in Colorado Springs two days ago, the hotbed of the Christian Right, tried to evoke Biblical principles in urging Young Americans to volunteer, either in the military (the first time he's said that), Peace Corps, Americorps or other non-profit social agency. He came off like most liberal, nominal Christians, speaking of the "helping the poor" doctrines of the Bible, while ignoring bedrock principles like salvation, grace, holiness and carrying the cross.

Obama, of course, did not serve in the military, but did graduate with advanced degrees from elite Eastern schools like Harvard and Princeton. He did serve briefly as a "community organizer" (whatever that is) in Chicago, before running for Congress (and losing), the State Senate, the U.S. Senate and now President. He has never earned a private enterprise dollar and doesn't advocate that anyone else does either.

His recent endorsement from Environmental Guru Al Gore brings to mind another case of asking others to do what he won't do himself. His antebellum mansion in downtown Nashville annually consumes 25 times more energy than an average U.S. residence. Consumption has actually gone up this last year, after the consumption figures were exposed the year before. He and Tipper tule around in matching Cadillac Escalade SUVs. He flies to the ends of the earth in private jets to deliver his global warming screeds. His carbon footprint is enourmous.

Yet we, the unwashed masses, are supposed to stay home in the cold and dark--and conserve.

You get the idea. Hypocrisy in our leadership is alive and well.