Not much has changed since then. Look at all the "family values" politicians we find philandering and having children from affairs.

I don't think this changed much. Only the subjects.

It won't ever change, someone will always find something to be hypocritical about.

I think hypocrisy gets a bit too much stick -- recognising the right way, and doing things the right way are different.

I, for example, get my kids to bed at a sensible time and teach them good sleep hygiene whilst having appalling sleep habits myself. In some cases it's precisely because one realises the magnitude, or outcomes, of ones failure that one emphasises something one personally fails to achieve.

I imagine most politicians are just targeting a particular voting group however.

>I think hypocrisy gets a bit too much stick -- recognising the right way, and doing things the right way are different.

I think the correct definition of hypocrisy is pretending your are doing something you are not, and then expecting others to do what you "pretend" to do.

As a parent you are doing the right thing, but you are obviously not "pretending" that you are achieving what you expect your kids to do.

But there is a limit.

I had (and have) issues I deal with as a parent similar to yours, but when I was later called to the mat by my kids (when they got older) I told them "I am trying to do the right thing.", but that only goes so far. You may actually cause your kids to have the same issues if you don't solve yours, and if you continue to make excuses, you may cross over from simply failing to hypocrisy. (why should a kid "try" to maintain a good habit and be punished when they fail, if the parent doesn't?)

I have changed my children's behavior by changing my own, my motivation happened when I hit the hypocrisy wall. (on some issues anyways)

The politic issue is just sad and out of control though, are there no truly ethical and moral leaders left?

I don't reveal my flaws, eg to my kids (though I'm not lying to hide them) which makes it hypocrisy IMO.

I'd rather politicians do things morally, but if they realise the moral/ethical thing, fail, and cover up their failure but nonetheless support the position they know to be morally superior: I think I'd rather that than have them shrug and say "well I failed so that moral position isn't worth fighting for".

If I supported non-violent protest as a politician, but got in a fist-fight at a rally, hid that fact ... should I give up on promoting and supporting non-violent protest.

I don't see private failing as necessarily discounting oneself in public office.

A not uncommon situation is an adulterer being outed; they probably know better than others the harm that can come through such acts.

Thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking response.

>I don't see private failing as necessarily discounting oneself in public office.

I agree. If everyone knew everyone's failings no one could live together. I think we all can agree that there's a time and place to not reveal someone's error or publicly denounce an error. (thankfully the choice is personal and it's no one's business but our own to decide which is which)

In the case of parenting, there are some flaws you can't hide. Might as well face those and teach your kids how to do it right. They can learn from your example not only how to humbly present errors, but also be gracious in return.

A side benefit of this is easier correction. (this has happened to me a few times) One time an older child failed at something that I have historically failed at, and I corrected her. She shouted at me "well you do it too!", and I could boldly state, "You know I think it's wrong, you know I am working on it, I have made progress and I plan on permanently changing, and I can expect you to try as well."

What I said was honest and true, and she'd witnessed me completely changing other behavior before. And then we both calmed down, and everything was just a little bit better.

And I do agree with your sentiment about hiding some things from your kids. I knew too much as a kid, and it was a burden.

You are not supposed to comment "thank you", only upvote? But I had to. Thank you.

> I, for example, get my kids to bed at a sensible time and teach them good sleep hygiene whilst having appalling sleep habits myself. In some cases it's precisely because one realises the magnitude, or outcomes, of ones failure that one emphasises something one personally fails to achieve.

You aren’t pretending to follow the same guidelines that you set for your children, however. Your scenario isn’t underhanded.

And maybe we shouldn't tolerate being treated like children?

I found it amusing that I parsed your response in two directions. Since the original post was about hypocritical "family values" (Republican) politicians I immediately assumed you think Democrats treat us less like children. Then I parsed it again and came up with libertarians. Two fairly opposite ends of the spectrum and opposite understanding of being treated like children.

Almost exactly what I got from this as well. At first I thought it was snarky, then the second time, blunt, but poignant. ha.