[graciegirl]

I asked for permission to start a thread to discuss the news of retired General Petraeus stepping down in the light of his affair with his biographer.

The moderators say that it is of national interest and we can discuss it as long as it does NOT become political.

It seemed strange to me when I first heard it because although immoral, it isn't illegal to have an affair.

Well every day now this strange story grows worse. I wonder what REALLY did happen and I am NOT a fan of conspiracy stuff but this seems pretty strange to me and particularly in the timing of disclosure.

I don't think this thread will last long, but what a MESS!!!

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I asked for permission to start a thread to discuss the news of retired General Petraeus stepping down in the light of his affair with his biographer.

The moderators say that it is of national interest and we can discuss it as long as it does NOT become political.

It seemed strange to me when I first heard it because although immoral, it isn't illegal to have an affair.

Well every day now this strange story grows worse. I wonder what REALLY did happen and I am NOT a fan of conspiracy stuff but this seems pretty strange to me and particularly in the timing of disclosure.

I don't think this thread will last long, but what a MESS!!!

Army regulations forbid extra marital affairs.

[Figmo Bohica]

Posh 08 is correct, under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) affairs are punishable. So he did do wrong, but why wait until after the election to bring it out.

[ssmith]

...not illegal and certainly immoral. The issue becomes the the closeness of the person to have access to secrets and the possibility of blackmail and or divulging secrets through 'pillow talk'. That is how I see it anyway.

I would guess that Petreus will still have to be closely monitored since many enemies would like to get access to the infomation he has. Couldn't you just see people offering him favors for information. Of course that is true of anyone with information but once a person has been found to have a weakness in that area it is easier to try access again in that way.
Also the lady was found to have classified documents in her possession.

However, I do think it is great that he has stood up to take responsiblity even if he was about to be exposed for it anyway.

[shcisamax]

Originally Posted by ssmith

...not illegal and certainly immoral. The issue becomes the the closeness of the person to have access to secrets and the possibility of blackmail and or divulging secrets through 'pillow talk'. That is how I see it anyway.

I would guess that Petreus will still have to be closely monitored since many enemies would like to get access to the infomation he has. Couldn't you just see people offering him favors for information.

However, I do think it is great that he has stood up to take responsiblity even if he was about to be exposed for it anyway.

Absolutely agree. The "immoral" aspect is of no consequence to you or me. BUT the underlying consequences of infiltration is of huge consequence. If you sign on for a position where the entire country is the ultimate recipient of your character choices, (and let's face it, are there anymore serious consequences?), you are supposed to be worthy of that position and willing to accept the parameters.

As for the timing of release, it is obvious.

[mulligan]

The thing that bothers me the most, is that I have 2 grandsons in the army. Both in military intelligence, one going to ranger school, and 1 going to special forces school.HE WAS THEIR BOSS !!!!!

[carm310]

All I can say is I am very sad for the families of all involved, suspicious of the timing and not surprised at the moral failure of human beings. Unfortunately it goes beyond those directly involved and I suspect is much more far reaching than any of us can imagine. God help us all.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

To me the issue is trust. If he can't live up to the "promises" he made to his wife how can he be trusted with the secrets of national security. In my mind anyone that would cheat on a spouse is scum, I don't care how long they were apart because he was deployed. I spent much of my career for months and sometime years at a time away from my family, i expected my wife to keep our vows and I certainly expected that I would keep them! It amazes me how people will do things to their spouse that they wouldn't think of doing to anyone else in their life

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by Cantwaittoarrive

To me the issue is trust. If he can't live up to the "promises" he made to his wife how can he be trusted with the secrets of national security. In my mind anyone that would cheat on a spouse is scum, I don't care how long they were apart because he was deployed. I spent much of my career for months and sometime years at a time away from my family, i expected my wife to keep our vows and I certainly expected that I would keep them! It amazes me how people will do things to their spouse that they wouldn't think of doing to anyone else in their life

Indeed!

[tainsley]

Where is the discipline, honor, values? His wife and family humiliated by the general's secret life. So sad. Did he really think he would never get caught with his pants down?

[rp001]

I don't believe he can be prosecuted by the ucmj...The affair supposedly happened after he left the military.The worse I see is a crime of moral turpetude, not criminal but wold warrant a resignation..I will be curious as to the true time line when it comes to press..The only thing I'm sure of is you just can't make this craziness up...

[NotGolfer]

Where's Olivia (the "fixer") when we need her???

This story breeds speculations and nothing more. It's a diversion tactict in my opinion.

[Taltarzac725]

David Petraeus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petraeus_scandal

[missypie]

Cheating on ones spouse speaks volumes, but who does it really hurt? The children....always has always will.

[jimbo2012]

It has been said that men in high power positions do actually have very high testosterone levels.

Not saying that to poke fun it's a fact.

But that doesn't excuse him, he's still is a dirtbag for what he did to his family and country.