"A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation"

This quote by Adlai E. Stevenson is a criticism of politicians who are hypocritical in their actions. A hypocrite is somebody who says something but does another. In this case, the political leader is cutting down a redwood tree, which is an act that goes against preservation. Nevertheless, the politician then mounts the stump of the tree and makes a speech for preservation. This is an example of hypocrisy because the political leader is stating something but doing another. The quote is a criticism of politicians who are not genuine in their words and actions. It is a pointer that political leaders need to be held liable for their words and actions. It is likewise a reminder that political leaders ought to be truthful and authentic in their words and actions.