This quote is one of my own, "Only you can take away your integrity." Telling a falsehood is a personal choice. We have seen plenty of politicians embellish their resumes with purported medals in the Army, degrees from universities, etc. Eventually, most of them get caught up in their own mess that they have made for themselves.
Today, in this era of "alternative facts" and what some might call "interpretations" of what did or did not occur, telling the truth in an honest and forthright manner doesn't seem to have the value that it once had in our society.
Disasters are high-pressure moments in which people and organizations will need to respond effectively. I sense that any weakness, any small failure to perform will bring with it an expectation that it be covered up with a "wall of words" attesting to "how well everything has gone, couldn't have been better, fantastic, etc."
Whoever does get the nod to become FEMA administrator better be going into that situation with a strong backbone or you will be quickly captured by the moment and the pressures being put on you to "stretch the truth" a little bit. Warning: you are entering a slippery slope and there will be no climbing back up to the top of your ethics and honor that you bring to the position.
What is your personal integrity worth to you?
