Isn’t is ironic that General Petraeus’s name has only come to mean something to the majority of the American people after his resignation? “Betrayal” is the word running through most people’s minds, the object of this betrayal being President Obama, the general’s family, and even us as Americans.
Petraeus’s affair has been receiving more publicity than the fiscal cliff. It is reported that, while serving as head of the CIA, he entered into a love triangle with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, and Jill Kelley, a well-known socialite. Paula Broadwell allegedly sent hateful emails to Jill Kelley, and an FBI investigation revealed clandestine messages between Jill Kelley and General Petraeus. The General did admit in a press conference that, “After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair,” it is too late to take back any mistakes.”
Petraeus’ said affair has been thrown into the media, not only because it is just another juicy, gossip story, but also because of the shock factor that comes with the revelation of such a private individual’s life. Many would expect him, the head of the C.I.A., to avoid enticing affairs that could only lead to bitter conflict and blackmail. As a decorated official who has helped to lead the nation through war, he should know more than anyone the importance of avoiding traps.
November 9th: Two days after the the scandal first leaked, after holding a private meeting with President Obama, General Petraeus officially resigned. Some people have tried to claim that this whole frenzy was, in fact, planned. The Benghazi attack left many Americans questioning whether the Obama administration was even aware of the serious need for reinforcements at the embassy and if the attack was an act of terror. General Petraeus is a major source of this controversial “information.” By resigning, he is not obligated to testify in any hearing about the Benghazi attacks. Therefore, some think that the conspiracy allows General Petraeus to avoid giving up the secret information about the attacks and to keep these details swept under the carpet. Now, although the idea of the conspiracy would make a great National Treasure 4 movie, it is not accurate. Unless you are disconnected from all news outlets, including the television and the internet, you would know that Geneal Petraeus has testified to Congress about the attacks and continues to do so.
Even though the scandal seems like another afternoon soap opera sub-plot in the seemingly never-ending saga of unfaithful American government officals, we must remember one thing: Paula Broadwell, Jill Kelley, and General Petraeus are real people with real families. Everyone makes mistakes, but this mistake will be long remembered. General Petraeus had no choice but to resign. Jill Kelley lost her title as honorary consul of South Korea. Paula Broadwell must hide out at her brother’s house in order to avoid the storm of photographers. What has the world come to when juicy affairs seem to be the center of focus, rather than the fiscal cliff or the chaos on the Gaza strip? As Americans, it seems that we are quick to shame others when they fall down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-AvyLw1ncE
Be sure to check out Beyond 75th’s coverage of the Petraeus scandal with the segments “Replacing Petraeus” and “The Woman Behind Petraeus“, his wife Holly Petraeus.