Is a good name more important than the truth?

Answer 1

"Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed." - William Shakespeare, "Othello"

In the long run, your good name is dependent on all of the truths you have lived. It is painful to admit to an error, theft or to any behavior you might regret at the time, but by serving the consequences your life will be more positive and ethical. I am sure that many of the politicians of our times wish that past acts and choices were not lingering for media to discover and spin into negative news.