After a tragic event, I prefer to hold my comments to myself for a week or two. Frequently, if I jump too early, I end up eating my words.

Tonight, I have decided to say a few words about the tragedy in Hawaii. I thought about writing immediately after but I am glad I waited for things to unfold. The one thing I noticed is that it was similar to walking into a room full of kids where something was spilled causing substantial damage. When I ask who did it, the kids, in chorus say, loudly, “Not me.”

Ever since the disaster a great deal of time has been wasted pointing fingers. This one says this and that one says that. I guess none of those fellas was in the Marines. They wouldn’t have done that. It is very shameful behavior by them all.

As I see it, someone squandered a good opportunity. If one would have raised his hand and said, “It’s my fault and I apologize. I didn’t see it coming and I should have. I assure you, I will not make that mistake again and I need to do what I can to see to it that we recover as much as we can as quickly as we can. After, in the aftermath, we need to take a good hard look at what happened and, in as much as possible, make sure that it is never repeated.”

I suspect that any man (or woman) who said that would have the full attention and the loyalty of his friends and constituents. In general, people don’t like it when people mess things up. Even more, they will generally respect the man who owns it.

I learned it day one in boot camp, don’t make mistakes and when you do, admit to them. It seems a little contradictory. It effectively goes against the natural behavior, but it is the most important thing a leader can do. It’s kind important for the followers too. It is hard to face up to our shortcomings, but those who attempt deception will pay the price, especially when it is so obvious.