Should GEN(R) David Petraeus be retroactively demoted?

2016-01-19T06:41:10-05:00

Exclusive: Pentagon May Demote David Petraeus

The defense secretary is looking to clamp down on misbehaving generals. Pentagon insiders say Petraeus could be the next general to face the consequences.
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.

“The secretary is considering going in a different direction” from the Army, a defense official told The Daily Beast, because he wants to be consistent in his treatment of senior officers who engage in misconduct and to send a message that even men of Petraeus’s fame and esteemed reputation are not immune to punishment.

...Read rest of story at the link provided

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/18/exclusive-pentagon-may-demote-david-petraeus.html

Exclusive: Pentagon May Demote David Petraeus

The defense secretary is looking to clamp down on misbehaving generals. Pentagon insiders say Petraeus could be the next general to face the consequences.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 19 at 2016 7:00 AM

2016-01-19T07:00:46-05:00

I voted yes but really an more ambivalent about it. I love the line in the story "Such a demotion could cost the storied general hundreds of thousands of dollars—and deal an additional blow to his once-pristine reputation".

It reads like the events were some sort of disease that attacked the General. If his "pristine reputation" has been dealt a blow, he dealt it the blow. He admitted it. What would happen to mere mortals who had done as much? I say we look at punishment for others that have done similar things and treat him fairly and appropriately. If it calls for demotion, so be it. There should be a consequence for mishandling classified material and dipping your wick inappropriately unless your last name is Clinton. They can have all of the sex they like and mishandle all of the classified info they choose and zero consequence.