The Issue: Gen. David Petraeus’ resignation after an affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell went public.
***
Gen. David Petraeus went from true American hero to lamentable satyr in record time (“Time To Tell the Truth,” Editorial, Nov. 13).
His honorable performance on the field of combat did not inform his personal behavior, and for this his family and all of us are the poorer.Paul Bloustein
Cincinnati
One of Petraeus’ rules for living is to recognize your mistakes, admit them and not repeat them.
When the general’s extramarital affair was exposed, he admitted it, didn’t deny it, didn’t blame anybody but himself and resigned.
He stated he showed bad judgment by his actions and such behavior is not acceptable, from a husband or a leader.
Is Bill Clinton listening?Michael Sara
Scranton, Pa.
Infidelity is not out of the ordinary, particularly among those who are in positions of authority.
However, it is dangerous when the leader of our worldwide spy operations is the cheater.
If Petraeus wished to pursue an affair, he should have had the decency to resign forthwith.
Instead, he rendered himself a target for blackmail, holding on to his position while placing his pleasure over the welfare of his country.
It’s shameful that he resigned only after being exposed by the FBI.
A brilliant and lengthy career in which Petraeus rose to one of the most important and powerful positions in our government has ended in disgrace.
Oren Spiegler
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
Petraeus was a brilliant general, and the good he did for our country speaks for itself.
As director of the CIA, he must have incomparable knowledge of the Middle East.
Yes, he made a terrible error in judgment regarding his extramarital affair, but many men throughout history have, too. Bill Clinton did as president and never resigned.
I understand the potential for blackmail prior to the affair being exposed, but now that it is out in public, where is the potential for that?
Obama should never have accepted his resignation.Eric Larson
Vail, Colo.