"The statesman shears the sheep; the politician skins them"

This quote by Austin O'Malley highlights the distinction in between a statesman and a political leader. The statesman is represented as somebody who thoroughly and thoughtfully tends to the needs of individuals, similar to a shepherd shearing the wool from a sheep. On the other hand, the political leader is portrayed as somebody who ruthlessly takes advantage of individuals for their own gain, just like a butcher skinning an animal. This quote serves as a pointer that not all leaders have the best objectives for their constituents which it is important to compare those who truly serve the people and those who just serve themselves.