What do you think of this?
First: Liberality, generosity, charity. The representative should not have craving and attachment to wealth and property, but should give it away for the welfare of the people.
Second: A high moral character. The representative should never destroy life, cheat, steal and exploit others, commit adultery, utter falsehood, or take intoxicating drinks.
Third: Sacrificing everything for the good of the people, they must be prepared to give up all personal comfort, name and fame, and even life, in the interest of the people.
Fourth: Honesty and integrity. They must be free from fear or favour in the discharge of their duties, must be sincere in their intentions, and must not deceive the public.
Fifth: Kindness and gentleness. They must possess a genial temperament.
Sixth: Austerity in habits. They must lead a simple life, and should not indulge in a life of luxury. They must have self-control.
Seventh: Freedom from hatred, ill-will, enmity. They should bear no grudge against anybody.
Eighth: Non-violence, which means not only that they should harm nobody, but also that they should try to promote peace by avoiding and preventing war, and everything which involves violence and destruction of life.
Ninth: Patience, forbearance, tolerance, understanding. They must be able to bear hardships, difficulties and insults without losing their temper.
Tenth: Non-opposition, non-obstruction, that is to say that they should not oppose the will of the people, should not obstruct any measures that are conducive to the welfare of the people. In other words they should rule in harmony with their people.
— Guatama Buddha, Jataka text, the Dhammapadatthakatha
Ah, are there ANY of our elected officials (or those we propose for such a task) who can measure up to THIS standard?
