Failure

Not every moment in life is a success. It is only this knowledge that makes it possible for us to pick ourselves up from the proverbial ground and face the next task. I've had a few run-ins with unsuccessful moments in the past few weeks (good run of bad luck) and it's good to know that better moments are waiting around the corner.

But it's the difficulty, and the general human unwillingness to recognize and address said moments that makes me think the "I screwed up" moment is the finest moment of the Obama administration, yet. Not only has Obama done what Bush was loathe to do (perhaps never did-I'd listen to arguments [not even Clinton took the opportunity when it was obvious]), but I believe it will set the tone for a mea culpa administration. How often do leaders at any level address their mistakes openly and honestly? What if Daschle had begun his confirmation hearings with full disclosure? Might we be preparing to swear in the person who might be our best hope for sweeping health reforms? What if Al Gore had admitted to exaggerating his involvment in fetal internet discussions? I have argued for years that politicians should engage in a policy of full disclosure, coupled with proactive mediation of mistakes and blunders.

Here's to the possiblity of an administration that owns its humanity.