VALDOSTA —
When Gen. David Petraeus, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and highly decorated four star general, resigned his position on Nov.9, citing an extramarital affair, the news created a ripple of fascination across the country.
Why are people so mesmerized by scandalous affairs? How is it that Petraeus’ affair has replaced the investigation over the attack in Benghazi, the presidential election, and the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on front pages and news sites across the country?
Petraeus did not break any laws, and although the FBI’s involvement, investigation and the timing of the release of its findings is rather suspect, the affair itself mirrors numerous such events since the beginning of time. Older, powerful man and young, attractive female. Countless novels and movie scripts have been written around this theme.
Former Pres. Bill Clinton’s affair with an intern, late Pres. John F. Kennedy’s infamous dalliances with various starlets, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s child out of wedlock, Sen. John Edwards' child out of wedlock, former Gov. Mark Sanford’s affair, and the list could go on for pages.
And yet Kennedy’s affairs were not news until decades after his death, and similar affairs from Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt all the way back to Pres. Thomas Jefferson were fairly well known at the time and scarcely raised an eyebrow. And those were supposed to be the days of stricter morals and behavior. These men were ultimately judged on the merits of their accomplishments, not their character flaws.
And so may it be with Petraeus. One of the most highly respected military leaders of all time, one of the most dedicated public servants, one of the most accomplished members of the intelligence community, Petraeus’ career doesn’t merit being known solely for this misjudgement.
But first, America’s attention needs to get back to issues that affect everyone, such as the looming financial cliff, the billions needed for Sandy recovery, and the fate of our healthcare system.
What We Think
Why are we so fascinated?
- What We Think
-
-
Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
-
Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
-
On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
-
Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
-
Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
-
Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
-
Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
-
Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
-
Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
Tornado: An aftermath of help
