friendly fire
The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook. William James
The recent headlines look like a case of “friendly fire”. What else could fell a four star general in the heart of our nation’s capital?
Is this justice in America?
You can see the cast spattered across the headlines, like a theatrical playbill.
Why did this happen? Where are the old fashioned pay phones? I don’t recall the last time I saw a regular phone that didn’t know or care who was calling whom and for what reason.Does anyone know about “anonymous email accounts”? I had no idea what kind of email account was used in this situation. An anonymous account that more than one person could access, draft messages that were never sent and then delete them after reading the other person’s draft. Think about it. Who is safe now?
What is wrong with this picture? Who benefits from a direct hit on our highest CIA official?
Let’s name who does not benefit or could suffer a mortal wound from this “friendly fire” event. 1. General Petraeus ( public humiliation after a stellar military career, personal shame and family pain, stepping down from a position he probably loved) 2. Mrs. Petraeus ( “furious would be an understatement”..but more likely hurt and betrayed, embarrassed and stunned) 3. The American People ( just days after an election that divided us almost 50/50- losing a respected leader of an important office ) 4. The Military Family ( Every branch was affected through the retired four-star Army general ,the former commander of US and International troops in Iraq and more recently, Afghanistan who became the director of the CIA in September 2011 after a long and accomplished military career.) 5. Every man who has ever had a bad experience with any woman. 6. Every woman who has ever had a bad experience with any man 7. It’s possible that this case of “friendly fire” has impacted every American and many in other countries. Our allies have to wonder at the way we treat our own.
Now, who could benefit from a direct hit on Petraeus? If this were a James Bond movie, we would know who the “bad guys” are. It’s not. From my point of view, Petraeus is the fall guy. He’s not a bad guy. His years of living by a code of honor prompted his first actions- confession and resignation.
Who are the people most likely to benefit? 1. A scorned woman might end up with increased book sales 2. A vacant CIA Director position leaves the country wide open to an appointment of someone with a different approach to national security 3. Someone who wants to dismantle the military would go directly for the jugular- decapitate, divest and devein – drain the life’s blood from the head of forces. Why is General Allen next in line for dismissal from his chosen career path? 4. A distracted public may not focus on the Libya investigations or dismiss the testimony based on their perceptions now colored by scandal.
When it comes down to it, we all took a hit. Did anyone see it coming? Released right after the November 6 elections and November 9 opening day of Skyfall?
If this were Skyfall Part 2, we’d see who the perpetrators are and bring them to justice. According to the reviewers, this may be the best Bond film ever. The villain, Raoul Silva is a ruthless genius who seemingly has unlimited resources, much like your typical 007 terrorist. However, the dark story surrounding his past is enough to make him seem human – insane, but human. http://blogcritics.org/video/article/movie-review-skyfall2/
Perhaps, we should invoke Adele to write a song for this scene, now playing out before the nation. Has anyone considered the international perception of our handling of this information? Could we be trusted to “keep a secret” if something like this makes national headlines? Some have suggested there was no reason to resign- perhaps if he remained in the military service since this behavior is against the rules there, but who still believes that its against any rules in government, elected or otherwise?
This is the end, Hold your breath and count to ten, Feel the Earth move and then Hear my heart burst again, Let the sky fall, let it crumble We will stand tall And face it all together- Have you noticed the timing before the testimony on the Libya event?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1kpLxTehig&feature=fvwrel
Are 3 couples the only ones to do penance? Why did the FBI or CIA operatives need to disclose this information? If this started and was processed by Secret Services, why couldn’t it be classified and remain private for national security interests? If General Petraeus was willing to step down without contesting the facts, why did anyone need to know more? When does personal liberty and privacy become obsolete?
According to one press writer, The CIA said on Thursday it had opened an “exploratory” investigation into Petraeus’ conduct, building on what started as an FBI probe. Law enforcement officials have said they believe the FBI investigation is likely to end without criminal charges.
If the documents shared with Mrs. Broadwell were “classified” and breached national security, then a criminal case is in order. Otherwise, we should have been protected, just as he should have been protected from this unnecessary “friendly fire”……….
a sad loss for our side, by our side.
It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link of the chain of destiny can be handled at a time. ~ Winston Churchill
November 24, 2012 Update- See another Army General’s wife’s viewpoint.