Security Clearance Violation equality or Double Standard?

2015-03-08T23:32:38-04:00

In the military we live by the mantra "Lead by example". When I look at the news there seems to be an ever increasing trend of high profile leaders (civilian or military) that do not follow this creed. Recently retired Gen. Petraeus pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge that he mishandled classified information. Additionally the former Secretary of State has admitted to using her personal email to send potentially classified information while in office. I look at these examples and ask myself would the outcomes be the same if it was an E-4, W-2 or O-3? Where is the equality in justice? Is it ok for our military leadership and elected officials to break the rules and get off with what amounts to a slap on the wrist but if an E-4 committed the same act what would happen? Would they receive the same punishment for the same act? What are we teaching our military if we do not hold to one standard for all regardless of rank and position?

Patreaus Pleads Guilty: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/03/david-petraeus-pleads-guilty-classified-information-paula-broadwell

Hillary Clinton email: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/03/hillary-clinton-email-revelations-why-it-matters

David Petraeus pleads guilty for passing classified 'black books' to lover

General reaches agreement with justice department over charge that he gave sensitive information to Paula Broadwell while he was director of the CIA

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 8 at 2015 11:50 PM

2015-03-08T23:50:36-04:00

MAJ A Koz, My memory is aging. Wasn't GEN Petraeus's main squeeze, a Ms Broadwell a Reserve officer/w clearances?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-07-22T16:48:07-04:00

Yes sir, MAJ Private RallyPoint Member, there is a double standard. There is a level at which a soldier becomes a politician, and politicians are always convinced they can do no wrong.

There's an E-6 in Leavenworth, who was getting his wick trimmed at the same time as Slick Willie was playing "hide the salami" with Monica.

But I'd have to say this is more of a problem with our society, than with the military, in spite of obvious examples. Is anything ever the fault of the person who caused it any more? How many months ago was it that a man just HAD to argue with the cops instead of quitting what he was doing, then managed to lose his life in the confrontation and it's not HIS fault? And I'm sure we could go on for hours, with examples of people who willingly risk their lives rather than just stopping whatever they are doing.

But I thank you for reminding me of my favorite political statement:

I'm not voting for Monica Lewinsky's ex-boyfriend's wife!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 15 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-08-15T13:10:15-04:00

That is a cute couple :)

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Mar 31 at 2019 4:43 PM

2019-03-31T16:43:25-04:00

Two words Hillary Clinton, enough said!