Leader or Didactor

Don't do as I do, do as I say.

   Here's a new word for you: Didactor, meaning someone who is didactic, a person who is pedantic or preachy. The term is rooted in the Greek word didaktikos, a teacher.
   Politicians who reach a certain level of success on the governmental ladder often forget that they are elected by the people to act for the people because they are of the people.
   They are, after all, citizens. And in America all citizens are equal, and entitled to equal treatment in law and in society.
   Unfortunately, there are some who presume themselves above that, and demand special treatment on no other basis than their own say-so.
    This seems to be more widespread in America these days, as Republicans in the Senate work behind closed doors on a new health care bill, and refuse to let others read anything about it until it goes to the Senate floor for a full vote.
   To top it all, the new denizen of the White House acts like everyone in the nation and the world should snap to attention and follow instructions without question. And that would include Congress. As if Senators and Representatives should do as they're told, even when his plans, policies and programs are vague to begin with but nonetheless must be approved because he says so, in the process wringing a thesaurus dry of superlative adjectives but without specifics and details on why the plan is so wonderful.

   What America needs is a leader, one who listens to the people and their elected representatives and acts according to what is good for all citizens, not primarily for his favored few ultra-loyal followers.
   True leaders attract followers because they offer things that people want and need, and are willing to work together with a leader to get them.
   The key here is "to work together," not simply to submit to arbitrary commands and dictates without explanation.
   This is an American tradition, encountered early on by Baron von Steuben, who attempted to give orders to the American soldiers in Gen. George Washington's Continental Army but first had to explain the instructions before the citizen-troops would follow them.
   This remains an American way, and those who would be leaders ignore that tradition at their political peril.