Here's a bit of advice a father gave his sons:

"The truth is a stubborn thing, so if you are called out for doing something that you know was a mistake, you have a choice- you can look stupid (by telling the truth) or look evil (by continuing to try to evade the truth).  Pick "stupid".

It gives me great pleasure to tell you that the guy who wrote that email is not only wise but successful and good looking.  I wish he'd run for office.