Pentagon Considering Demoting David Petraeus

[Chance]

The Pentagon (read: Ash Carter) is considering retroactively demoting David Petraeus to lieutenant general. From The Daily Beast:

The Pentagon is considering retroactively demoting retired Gen. David Petraeus after he admitted to giving classified information to his biographer and mistress while he was still in uniform, three people with knowledge of the matter told The Daily Beast.

The decision now rests with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, who is said to be willing to consider overruling an earlier recommendation by the Army that Petraeus not have his rank reduced. Such a demotion could cost the storied general hundreds of thousands of dollars—and deal an additional blow to his once-pristine reputation.

While giving classified information to the woman you're banging on the side is beyond moronic, Petraeus is an awesome American who has done some amazing things on behalf of his country. I think he earned a fifth star, despite the fact that this administration was too spineless to call their "overseas contingency operations" the war that it is. If Obama supports this, but chooses not to go after Hillary....

[farscott]

On the other hand, demoting General Petraeus may signal that the Obama Administration is willing to go after Secretary Clinton for her lapses of handling classified information. General Patraeus may the medium by which the message is delivered to the DoJ and to the American public. He could also be the scapegoat so as to avoid punishing Secretary Clinton.

I think General Petraeus should be punished for his lapse as if Captain Petraeus did the same thing, he likely would be serving time at Fort Leavenworth. Retiring at flag rank and benefits is not much of a punishment. RHIP and all that ....

[Chance]

I think General Petraeus should be punished for his lapse as if Captain Petraeus did the same thing, he likely would be serving time at Fort Leavenworth. Retiring at flag rank and benefits is not much of a punishment. RHIP and all that ....

I agree: the guy's behavior is inexcusable. It just shocks me that the administration is prepared to do this, and then completely ignore the egregious misconduct of a cabinet-level official.

ETA: I'm not even sure I understand my own bewilderment. I guess it shouldn't be surprising no one is required to ensure their moral bankruptcy be evenly distributed.

[JHC]

On the other hand, demoting General Petraeus may signal that the Obama Administration is willing to go after Secretary Clinton for her lapses of handling classified information. General Patraeus may the medium by which the message is delivered to the DoJ and to the American public. He could also be the scapegoat so as to avoid punishing Secretary Clinton.

I think General Petraeus should be punished for his lapse as if Captain Petraeus did the same thing, he likely would be serving time at Fort Leavenworth. Retiring at flag rank and benefits is not much of a punishment. RHIP and all that ....

+1 The 75th Ranger's former O6 Commander recently got a reprimand for far less egregious behavior (off color unit party and premium hotels) that will probably mean he'll never see O7. I don't think taking a star from Petraeus is excessive.

[DocGKR]

Taking a star, along with his misdemeanor conviction is BS unless the USG goes after the far more egregious offenses by the former Sec State in the same fashion...

[Jeep]

One of the things about generals is that they get to hang around the Washington ruling class too much, and sometimes fall into their ways.

Taking a star from Petraeus might send a good signal to our uniformed leaders that it doesn't matter what the ruling class does--you aren't part of it and you will be held to the standards of the armed forces.

On the other hand, Petraeus has been openly criticizing Obama's strategy lately, and Obama is reputed to have the thinnest skin in DC (which, if true, is saying something). So this might be a shot across Petraeus's bow telling him he better shut up or things will get ugly.

As for Hillary, let's hope that the FBI keeps probing. Janet Reno shut down the FBI's investigation against her and Bill almost 20 years ago, and there are probably still some agents there who remember the details of that investigation and have no love for her. (Indeed, former FBI director Louis Freeh is said to regard the Clintons as being little better than organized crime figures)

[RoyGBiv]

If Obama supports this, but chooses not to go after Hillary....

It would be business as usual for him.....

More fuel for this fire..... https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....l=1#post397132

[LittleLebowski]

Fuck Petraeus.

http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbyi...-control-group

[Eric_L]

If Petraeus leaked classified information he should be held accountable, just as Clinton should be. A good source of information/discussion on H. Clinton's email issue from a former NSA person is this site:

https://20committee.com

[RoyGBiv]

If Petraeus leaked classified information he should be held accountable, just as Clinton should be. A good source of information/discussion on H. Clinton's email issue from a former NSA person is this site:

https://20committee.com

It would be mucho better if you linked the actual article, rather than "it's here somewhere, go find it". Gracias.