Lead by Example

The Marines have concluded an investigation into the crash last December of an F/A-18 Hornet in a San Diego neighborhood. It hit two homes and killed four people on the ground. Out of this tragedy comes a hopeful example of responsibility and accountability.

Four senior officers were removed from duty as a result of the crash investigation which concluded that the tragic mishap was avoidable. Other Marines have been disciplined as well. A series of wrong decisions had been made.

"This wasn't damage control," wrote columnist Peggy Noonan in The Wall Street Journal, "it was taking honest responsibility. And as such, in any modern American institution, it was stunning."

Stunning indeed. It says a great deal about the strength and quality of our democracy.

Ms. Noonan interviewed a Marine aviator who remarked on how the decision contrasts with buck-passing elsewhere in government and on Wall Street.

Per Ms. Noonan: "By contrast, he says, when the economy came crashing down, 'nowehere did we see a board come out and say: "This is what happened, these are the decisions these particular people made, and this was the result. They are no longer part of our organization."

No one in government said, "These are the people who allowed Freddie and Fannie unlimited rein over mortgage securities."

But the Marines are leading by example. And that is a sign of hope. May that others follow their lead.

Quick Vue: Here is an Associated Press report on the Marines' investigation.