Before tomorrow’s newspaper brings yet another story on the consequences of mistakes, let’s review:

1. Someone makes a mistake.
2. The mistake makes the local and/or national news.
3. The public judges the person before the legal system does.

This is where people get confused. You do NOT deny, lie, blame or act worse. Instead,
4. You apologize. “I made a mistake and I am sorry.”

Again, don’t go wrong here by lying, sneaking or threatening a lawsuit. Just,
5. Go on with your life.
6. Good friends, family and neighbors will forgive. They make mistakes too.

This is where the media goes wrong. Do not drag people back into the newspapers with stories of personal problems and bankruptcies. Publish stories that affect us and not voyeuristic trainwrecks.

Thank you.