Do As I Say, Not As I Do

President Obama is proving that the campaign trail is not the same as the office. On the trail, he promised that none of his staff or cabinet would work in areas that they had lobbied. He now has at least two who have. He has also nominated at least two who thought that they were exempt from taxes while we had to pay. Then they come back and said, oops!

Do as I say, not as I do. Here is what I read in the Bible today:

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying:

"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe,that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:1-12 (NKJV)

I find it eerie how much that sounds like some elected officials. I just wish that they would pay attention to the last sentence, "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

I do not see any humility among those who decide to pay their taxes only after they exalt themselves by accepting a very important position in our government. This goes to character (regardless of how smart they are). Their character has been exposed and the Senate happily accepted one of them into the fold. Now, all of the sudden they want to demonize Daschle (only to save face).

The only way to humble a politician is to send them home. In other words, stop electing them!

Another thought about the stimulus package:

There are some aspects to the stimulus package that would be very beneficial to our country. For example, our infrastructure needs to be repaired and updated. Another example deals with getting away from our oil dependency. So yes, there are some positive aspects to this package.

The unfortunate problem emerges from the pork spending that benefits a politicians' vote rather than our need for economic stimulus. Of course this goes back to the above verses. The true colors of the spend-sters in office are revealing their character. They adore being enamored and being called "Senator" or "Representative". They like the pats on the back and the best seats on committees. They could care less about the burdens placed on their fellow man because they make up differing rules for themselves. Do I say, not as I do rings true only for them.

I know the day of humility will come, and it saddens me that so many are caught up in these spotlights. At least their are still many in the Congress who maintain integrity. Those are the ones who will be remembered and honored.

Edited (Feb 5, 2009):
Here is a list of the "non-lobby" lobbyist on the White House staff that were appointed and approved by President Obama (12 and counting): Politico or Hot Air