As a general rule of thumb, we can measure just how democratic, ruthless, vainglorious, weak or corrupt, our regimes are, by the amount of medals and awards decorating the chests of our Presidents, Generals, Prime Ministers and government officials. Ranging from a modest three rows - fairly democratic, to ten or more rows, with a star and sash - utterly despotic. Watch an opening session of the United Nations or a World Summit and you will see what I mean. You will see the ambassadors from the smallest of nations, the leaders of the worlds' most repressive regimes and their minions marching to their seats with row upon row of medals, ribbons and gold braid brightly adorning their crisply starched uniforms. In contrast, the leaders and ambassadors of the most democratic states, walk to their seats dressed in modest dark suits, the only concession to vanity being, perhaps, the occasional bright tie. They have no need for ostentatious display, for they have real power, are confident and assured in their leadership and therefore do not need to remind the world of the power they wield, with senseless trappings of office.

There is a lesson for our leaders to be learned from the business world, where awards, rewards and recognition are only given for performance. If making a positive contribution to one's country or people were the criteria for awarding national honours to our leaders perhaps they would not look so powerless and vainglorious. Perhaps as in business where poor managers that fail consistently to perform are asked to leave the company. Our governments apply this to our leaders. If they do not perform then they should forfeit power rather than be given rewards.  When hubris and greed replace fairness and good leadership, people lose their respect for those who lead them and they become a mockery not just to your people, but to the world at large this brings shame to our countries and our people.