The Crown Plaza Duck episode is about a lot more than ducks. It is about character and trust.

A quick midnight rescue mission by Mr. Thomas Pappas and the convenient disappearing act by Mr. David Campbell aside, a central principle of common sense and justice is that when there are conflicting versions of “the truth,” it is the person with the most to lose who’s version should be the most questioned.

Here we have a visiting retired U.S. Marine officer’s clear and neutral observation, versus the not-so-neutral story of a prominent New Hampshire power person. Hmmm, who’s got the most to lose in this one? You be the judge. I’m partial by background, but when life and limb is on the line and trust is the overarching requirement, I know which one I’d choose to be in a foxhole with.

Dean L. Mottard

Capt., USMC (Retired)

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