All the buzz today about General David Petraeus and General John Allen have the media spinning around what "she" said "he" did and what the "other" shouldn't have ... - and with all of this going on they haven't uncovered the true story.
Here is the truth and you may be surprised to find that it's not a story about the transgressions of a few men (& women). It's the story about America evolving into a nation more and more militaristic. It's a story about a growing emphasis on military pride and admiration, about celebrating patriotism with military regalia, parade anthems, awesome weaponry, brass medals and bravado. America is intoxicated with pride and blind to the impact of a growing military elite.
The current situation is fallout of a social culture at the military's highest levels, one where high level military personnel are afforded large paychecks and "country club" perks that could make a modest corporate executive blush. Why should Americans care what lifestyle their General Commanders lead? Listen a little closer the next time you hear the latest update on Jill Kelley's involvement. She's been coined a "Tampa Socialite" which is a far cry different than a "Long Island Lolita" of a bygone era news story. A socialite, as she's been called, is someone living the high life among other high society elites. Americans are largely unaware of the affluence, lavish parties and country club atmosphere surrounding the military elite. Maybe it's time Americans awaken from the "patriotic" cloud; set the euphoria aside and ask where they want active military commanders spending time and energy when the troops are in the fight? I could go on and on about how wrong it is for military leaders to get ultra special treatment while the troops and their families are suffering a world away from the General's Party Pad.
