Sacrifice vs. selfishness

David Boaz of the Cato Institute points out the hypocrisy of millionaire politicians telling students not to be selfish:

Sen. Obama told the [Wesleyan University] students that "our individual salvation depends on collective salvation." He disparaged students who want to "take your diploma, walk off this stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and all the other things that our money culture says you should buy." . . .
During a Republican debate at the Reagan Library on May 3, 2007, Sen. McCain derided Mitt Romney's leadership ability, saying, "I led . . . out of patriotism, not for profit." Challenged on his statement, Mr. McCain elaborated that Mr. Romney "managed companies, and he bought, and he sold, and sometimes people lost their jobs. That's the nature of that business." . . .
Mr. Obama, who made $4.2 million last year and lives in a $1.65 million house bought with the help of the indicted Tony Rezko -- and whose "elegant suits" and "impeccable ties" made him one of Esquire's Best-Dressed Men in the World -- disdains college students who might want to "chase after the big house and the nice suits." Mr. McCain, who with his wife earned more than $6 million last year and who owns at least seven homes, ridicules Mr. Romney for having built businesses.

How very easy for rich people to talk about goals more lofty than making money.