Let Reconciliation Be Our Mantra
- Print print this page
- Discuss 79 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
This is being written on the day before Election Day, when no one knows who our next president will be.
No matter who it is, we Democrats and Republicans must reconcile our differences and be supportive of our president and each other. There are so many factors that play into our anger at the other party, but we all want what is best for our country.
We have never seen such a hateful campaign. “Why is that?” I asked myself. Could it be the mix of religion into politics? Maybe so. So I say the first step to reconciliation is to get overt religious beliefs out of politics. It is degrading to Christianity. Such zealotry divides us.
Next, write an invisible mantra across your forehead: “Reconciliation.” Pledge to support our president, no matter who it is. Pray for him.
Stop the name-calling. Remember: Those in the party opposite your own are not the enemy, although from some of the opinions in The Pilot one might think otherwise. Perhaps The Pilot could have a once-a-month Pollyanna opinion page where no one is allowed to call a previous writer a dunce or a terrorist. It is a revelation of ignorance and playground mentality to name-call rather than offer a different viewpoint based upon facts.
Congressmen who blatantly try to make a president fail need to be reminded that their job description is to fight for ideas. We want to show our president respect, even when we don’t agree with him.
So, in a nutshell, get religion out of politics, pledge to reconcile with the other side, and show respect for our president. I hereby am pledging to do so, knowing that is just a start.
There is more to do.
Hilda Mitchell
Pinebluff
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
in a nutshell, get religion out of politics You hit the nail on the head. Religion needs to stay in the churches and let the people of this country live the lives they choose to live without prejudice. The Republican party needs to realize a president governs over many kinds of people with such huge diversity that one religion influencing the whole country isn't practical or relevant. If Religion were taken out of the conversation then the Republicans would have won.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"Perhaps The Pilot could have a once-a-month Pollyanna opinion page where no one is allowed to call a previous writer a dunce or a terrorist." Ms. Mitchell, while that sounds like a grand idea, it would result in at least an immediate 50% reduction in liberal posters here. As to "dunce," and "terrorist," if you add to the prohibition the words "rage," "racist," "homophobe," "tin-foil hat," and "wing-nut," you have now prohibited 100% of liberals from posting here. I like your idea. Pilot editors, the next move is up to you. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
it would result in at least an immediate 50% reduction in liberal posters here.
Yea and let's get posters who are overly snide and condescending to refrain from their derogatory language. Oh wait we lose Thatcher...and nothing of importance was lost.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Ms. Mitchell-- Your idea would also bar the one and only self-proclaimed "libertarian" who (unlike Yukon and packwilleat) has never posted a libertarian thought on this site. Instead, he posts only pro-Obama comments, and anti-conservative comments...with the identical flair of our favorite liberal columnist...and usually around the same time. One wonders what real libertarians, like Yukon and packwilleat, think of their fellow "libertarian." Time will tell, but Ms. Mitchell, your idea will silence their esteemed insults. Is that fair? The Pilot editors can decide. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
also bar the one and only self-proclaimed "libertarian"
Find a quote calling myself Libertarian. I'm happy my Republican party can now have some soul searching and move forward with the times. People can be fiscally conservative and socially progressive. But that's your old thinking that one has to be fiscally conservative and socially in Puritan times to be Republican. It just isn't so anymore.
Cry some more about a Republican that is happy the cancer is being cut from his party.
JimHeim 6 months, 2 weeks ago
JD - I grew up with the fiscally conservative-socially moderate/progressive Republicans you may remember. In my home state of Oregon, we had Packwood, Hatfield, McCall and others. Nationally, Republicans like Nelson Rockefeller, Edward Brooke, Dwight Eisenhower were honorable men even though I didn't agree with many of their policies.
Still, there was some overlap and Democrats were able to work with them to hammer out solutions to the country's problems. The nation was better off because their views were part of those compromises. We would be better off with more of them and fewer tea baggers.
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Thanks Jim,
You named some of my favorite politicians. Thankfully this election demonstrates that the 'Southern Strategy' is dead and we can start throwing dirt on it. It's sad that many Republicans want to make corporations people with more rights than an actual living, breathing citizen. If someone says that businesses should not be regulated then neither should our personal lives. If a corporation can do what it wants in a boardroom, citizens deserve the right to do what they want in their own homes and lives.
Courseaire 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Jim - I'm sorry, but there are no conservatives in Oregon.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Now this is a suprise: JimHeim and JD embracing on ideology. Who in a million-gazillion years could have predicted that stunning development...and on all issues, agreeing that both are "fiscally conservative." Wow! I'm just glad you two, who "obviously" have different political beliefs (especially on economics, right? Right?), have decided to mend fences and come together. I'd start with JimHeim's post (It's Over: Now We Can Pull Back From The Edge, 2 hours, 56 min. ago): "Now I want my (free) Obama phone." This is only fitting, so that two economic soul-mates can call each other on the taxpayer's dime. After all, they have lots to talk about. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
What's that Thatcher? I can't read your post through all the angry troglodyte speak. It seems I was acting bipartisan and you act like an angry out of touch person.
Still waiting on you finding a quote of me saying I am Libertarian. Or is the whining to change the subject all you can do?
I remember when you were semi respectable in your posts (before snide, condescedning, and back handed compliments) and then you lost it and went full on fugitiveguy. Because you are being unintentionally hilarious in your anger.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"Troglodyte." That's the word Sean Penn used in his video with Kid Rock. Perhaps you've seen it. JD, "For President: Barack Obama," 4 days, 7 hours ago): "I would like to think my write in of Gary (Johnson) will help, but creating a viable third or more parties is a long game. Good luck to Barrack (sic), since Romney spent the last debate agreeing with the President and ditto-ing all the positive things...." If I were you, I'd call JimHeim on the free Obama phone and plot further strategy (or conference in DR, unless you think that redundant). Of course, you could also talk about things you agree on...the taxpayers will pick up your minutes. After all, it's only fair. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
And that makes me Libertarian how? I wrote in for the candidate I preferred in this election. I do not have to change party affiliation to vote. You may want to look into it. I still voted for Ron Paul in the Republican primaries in May, how did I do that as a registered Libertarian in your example? Is it me committing voter fraud or you being a crazy paranoid (like your insistence that I post under something else besides this screen name). So tell me Thatcher again, find a quote where I call myself Libertarian and not Republican.
Troglodyte: A person considered to be reclusive, reactionary, out of date, or brutish. (maybe you've seen one in the mirror) Cheers!
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"I do not have to change party affiliation to vote." No disagreement here. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
No quote? Did I just feed the troll? Or is this how he limps off when being proven wrong again? Excelsior!
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I'd check with your soul-mate, JimHeim, before posting again. Cheers!
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Also, check with DR. Or is that necessary? Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Wow Thatcher no quote, but more snide, condescending remarks? Annnnnnd a double post of rage, nice way to prove your hurt feelings! Cry some more please. Cheers and Excelsior!
by JD
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"Rage?" Now where have I heard that before? And the cartoon, where have I seen that before? This must be a coincidence. Check with JimHeim on the free Obama phone and let us know. Cheers!
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
And check with DR to make sure his post is OK. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Or we could ask your wife to cut down on your computer privileges if you want to keep posting your double anger replies Thatcher. Still haven't shown a quote because you don't have any other argument than spiteful paranoid trolling. Here's my dance when reading your posts. Enjoy the video, Cheers, Excelsior!
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Did JimHeim and DR approve that video? Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
...
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Folks, you have now seen the ramblings of a "supposed" Gary Johnson supporter. I know many folks who voted for Gary Johnson (all great Americans), and not a single one would post this nonsense in a million years. Decide for yourself who is being truthful here. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Oh ramblings have been seen Thatcher. All yours though and still no quote of me calling myself Libertarian.
Nice of you to derail a reconciliation thread with your paranoia and trolling. Congrats on representing the angry old white man part of the party that is doomed. Fiscal conservatives with socially progressive views is what wins Republicans 2016 and beyond. But we still have to cut cancer like you out and it will be done. You Rushes, Hannities, and Coulters, Goodbye! We're bringing Ike and Goldwater type politicians back.
Bet you are really mad since my form of Republicanism is what is needed to move on to the future. And you are just an angry old man trolling on the Pilot. Goodluck in obscurity! Cheers and Excelsior!
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Too funny! You're busted with your own posts and you call me "mad" and full of "rage." Check with JimHeim and DR to make sure the insults are correct. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
And still no substance in your posts like I said at the start of this thread. With Thatcher gone nothing of importance is lost. With the Pilot comments or the Republican party.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"Goodluck (sic) in obscurity!" Good luck with your next column for The Pilot. Cheers!
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Oh, and JD (DR), I'm younger than you. Cheers!
dustyrhoades 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I would encourage all conservatives to vote for the Libertarian candidate.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
The identity switch begins. Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
by JD
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
And JD, before you edited your post of 14 minutes ago, you made a disparaging remark about my wife. Your post was disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. I read it before you deleted it. You are disgusting.
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Nope it's still up there and no edits in this thread. Once again something else you are wrong about. And I did not disparage her at all. If anything it was a plea to get you to your senses. Still waiting on that quote of me calling myself Libertarian and anything other than Republican, Thatcher.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
JD, you are not telling the truth. I quoted your post (35 min. ago) as saying, "Goodluck (sic) in obscuritity." There, you disparaged my wife. You then edited your post. I saw your post before you edited it. And if you are so confident that you made no comment about my wife at all, and that your post is "as is", then surely you will support The Pilot's editors in restoring your original post...before you edited it? Right? You are agreeing to that here. Right? You never mentioned my wife?
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
And JD, you first say there are "no edits in this thread." Your edited thread makes no mention of my wife. Yet you then claim that you did not disparage her, but "If anything it was a plea to get you to your senses." Disgusting.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
JD, you insulted my wife. You insulted me. I forgive you. I'm going to bed.
njc17 6 months, 2 weeks ago
How sad. It seems the liberal folks want to be conciliatory because in the expansive largess from winning, they "want to reach across the isle" and convince those of us who espouse home and family values, those of us who feel ill at the thought of baby killers for expediency, those of us who look to live within our means and expect a government to do so also, those of us who look for a government to stay out of business and private lives, those of us who espouse PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!> NO I will NOT capitulate to the sleaze that has taken over this nation. NO I will NOt leave My Faith and the Values it has engrained in me. I may stand alone but I will stand in pride.
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I'm going to bed.
That's for the best. You seem to be really cranky and mad.
you insulted my wife.
Nope. I asked you to have her restrict your computer privileges. With a name like Thatcher I expect you to like strong women.
JD 2 hours, 9 minutes ago Or we could ask your wife to cut down on your computer privileges if you want to keep posting your double anger replies Thatcher
Your edited thread Screenshots or it didn't happen. Much like most of your crazy paranoia.
Oh, and JD (DR), I'm younger than you. Look an example of crazy paranoia.
Look still no quote of me saying I am Libertarian (how all this started) and an angry temper tantrum in a triple rage post. Well done, Thatcher, well done.
DannySteen 6 months, 2 weeks ago
At 04:30 Wednesday morning, while getting ready to go to work, I was listening to the radio. Some clown was whinging on about the Republicans needing to compromise with The President. What about The President doing a little compromising. where has he shown the least bit of compromise. If he does not get his way he goes around Congress to get it. The Democrats definition of compromise is to bent over grab your ankles and let them have their way. Well bend over America.
njc17 6 months, 2 weeks ago
you got it Danny
dustyrhoades 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Oh, and JD (DR),
by dustyrhoades
greatbrit 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Hilda, from the replies from both political sides and the infantile comments, I can see your reconciliation idea is a non-starter from the get go. My only observation is that out of the millions of people in the USA, is this the very best two (Obama and Romney) that we can come up with?
GJohn 6 months, 2 weeks ago
To njc17 - It seems the liberal folks want to be conciliatory because in the expansive largess from winning, they "want to reach across the isle" and convince those of us who espouse home and family values, those of us who feel ill at the thought of baby killers for expediency, those of us who look to live within our means and expect a government to do so also, those of us who look for a government to stay out of business and private lives, those of us who espouse PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!> NO I will NOT capitulate to the sleaze that has taken over this nation.
Wow. Wow. So, everyone who voted for Obama is an irresponsible, baby-killing, sleaze that expects to live off the government? Wow. Hey, you're a Republican, aren't you?
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
To the Pilot: Here''s a perfect example of why you need to fix the REPLY button. JD and Thatcher could have had their conversation without the rest of us having to stand on the sidelines. Some of us might have actually had a conversation while the children were in the sandbox.
Arestorer 6 months, 2 weeks ago
So, Im guessing Reconciliation, is a no-go......Yall stop being sore loosers......We're all supposed to be Americans first,not Enemies...Peace,Love and SOUL....
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Boehner said: “What Republicans need to learn is: How do we speak to all Americans? You know, not just the people who look like us and act like us, but how do we speak to all Americans?”
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
This is what I've been saying all along.
Some party leaders have blamed the losses on the rise of the tea party movement and the growing pressure on GOP candidates to hew to a purist brand of conservatism that wins primaries but turns off voters. (Washington Post)
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
When you run a campaign focused on "anyone but Obama" and not on the problems of the country which is their job, then the party looses respect from the public. And then top it off with being way too involved in our private lives with all the social issues, the average American is going to pull away.
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
while the children were in the sandbox.
Or an ignore button. I still find it sad that a reconciliation thread was hijacked by angry old Thatcher trolling. Poor fellow lost his mind finding out his party has moved on without him.
Arestorer 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I would concede, our Social system needs an overhaul...If "others" would agree our(revenue) tax system needs the same..
Arestorer 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I love Republicans,because they couldnt be that without being American first...
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree JD, It would be nice if we could actually have decent conversations without it turning everyone in angry children. During the months up to the election it was frustrating when a republican couldn't and wouldn't consider understanding the other sides opinion and I suppose it goes both ways. Again, if religion was taken out of the conversation then we could actually hear each other's opinions but when hands get thrown up and statements like "It's God's will" get into it then there's no more room for understanding and discussion. I really hope the GOP re-evaluates it's platform and gets out of my bedroom and lifestyle.
njc17 6 months, 2 weeks ago
From the start of this thread, the statement get religion out of politics, rings hollow. religion is infused with life wherever you are and whatever you do. It is the basis of our moral code. The two cannot be separated. But that is exactly what way too many people in this nation want to do. Because they feel ashamed at their particular activity , instead of changing what THEY DO, they try to convince others to join them, thereby feel the kinships of others shame and feel better about themselves. Now that being said, As a Christian, and as a poitical and fiscal conservative, I HAVE THAT RIGHT TO BELIEVE as I do and wherein this nation was founded ON these principles, I have every right to expect this nation to maintain these rights through the Constitution. To compromise on these issues is tantamount to you sitting down to the fruits of your labor when someone comes in and tells you to share with your neighbor, who earned nothing. You say no, but in the end you strike the 'compromise' and share half, then the next time around the same thing happens and you come upon the same issue and 'compromise again. . you are 'compromised out of your earnings. I cannot and will not compromise on my beliefs, Tenents, and life codes to appease someone elses shame. This nation has turned into a whoredom, and i chose to live above it.
JimHeim 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Thatcher - If I gave the impression I'm fiscally conservative, I apologize. My intent was to suggest that even liberals can work across the line with responsible conservatives. Life is full of compromises (anyone who's ever been married should be familiar with the concept).
In the 60s and 70s we had legislators on both sides of the aisle willing to accept progress in their programs even if they had to give up something in return. That kind of governance was driven off of the political stage by Newt Gingrich, who drove a wedge between the two sides that may never be removed.
Bottom line is that I may well be one of the most liberal voices in this county, but that never stopped me from working with those of a more conservative view to solve a problem.
I have trouble with the idea of fiscal conservatism. Too often it turns into siphoning public funds into programs favored by the right without a particular need for thrift.
dustyrhoades 6 months, 2 weeks ago
The entire Republican economic message has been based around the idea that "those people" are coming to TAKE YOUR STUFF! "Those people" were variously defined as women who wanted to be sure that the insurance they work for or pay for out of pocket covered contraception (defined by the GOP as 'lazy sluts who want free birth control'), Latinos (defined by the GOP as 'illegal until proven otherwise'), people who paid lots of other taxes but did not, for various reasons, pay federal income tax because they were poor, elderly, disabled, etc (defined by the GOP nominee as people who "feel like victims" and who he "couldn't care about"),
And you wonder why those people didn't vote for you?
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
t was frustrating when a republican couldn't and wouldn't consider understanding the other sides opinion
I've been here the whole time? Oh you mean the teabaggers and neo cons that flood the board. Yes they have problems being civil. It's in their nature.
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
njc17, yes you do have the right to believe as you do but you don't have the right to tell me what to believe or how I choose to live. When we are talking about a government whose job is to govern many people with many religious and ethnic backgrounds then Christianity or any religion can't be in the conversation. We can all be good problem solvers with our diversity in life and experience without taking sides. There seems to be an underlining belief that non Christians don't know the difference between right and wrong and have no moral compass so you have to control everything. You need to let that go and realize if we all work together then we can come up with solutions.
njc17 6 months, 2 weeks ago
So I have no right to put my stuff on the comment boards, I understand, that is the Obama approach. Thank you. I'll remember that in the futture. After all it is Woronoff's paper. and Dusty Rhoads private whipping post.
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
njc17 So I have no right to put my stuff on the comment boards I don't know where you got that from my comments, I was trying to engage you in conversation.
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
101jackson, I for one and sick and tired of the personal rants some of you insist on airing here. Go duke it out somewhere else and let the rest of us have a conversation. You talk about lack of intellect?
njc17 6 months, 2 weeks ago
101j; I understand what you are saying. I have known Dusty for many years, sadly the one thing I have noticed from him is his lack of conversational skills, and his followers seem to have less. SH59; what I said was echoing your initial response. According to you i cannot post anything that is objectional to your way of thinking. And you were NOT trying to engage me in any kind of conversation. [I'm smarter than that] I've got news for you. I am PROUD of being Christian, Conservative, Constitutionalist and Tea Party member, and as such I will NOT BE SHUT UP. As a matter of fact with your little sting I shall shout all the more! Reconcilliation being this topic, My take is, reconcile what? I cannot and WILL NOT weaken my stance on anything I believe. That would make me a hypocrit of the first order. I am sorry Romney did not win the election, but that being said, it's on to the next order of business. learn from the mistakes reaffirm my position and strive forward.
dustyrhoades 6 months, 2 weeks ago
So I have no right to put my stuff on the comment boards, I understand, that is the Obama approach. Thank you. I'll remember that in the futture. After all it is Woronoff's paper. and Dusty Rhoads private whipping post.
Come down off the cross, honey, we need the wood.
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
101jackson I still haven't heard anything intelligent just a lot of ranting anger. Leave it somewhere else, I'm sick of hearing all the personal attacks around here. If the Pilot won't fix the reply button then the rest of us need to take control and speak up.
njc17 6 months, 2 weeks ago
There again, Dusty, quick, quick, Can you NOT say anything with a ring of intelligence in it? I am beginning to wonder about you. Be engaging, be salient and up to the task, be wise and thoughtful, fill the vaccuum with -------something.
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
njc17 According to you i cannot post anything that is objectionable to your way of thinking. Where are you getting that? I'm sorry you are so closed off to any possible conversation and insist on being a victim here. I'm not attacking your beliefs at all, as I said you have a right to your beliefs as do I.
njc17 6 months, 2 weeks ago
oohhh yes you are. And as for being attacked, that is the liberal way. No conversation just pretend thoughtfulness, the look'em in the eyes fauxcaring stare, The art of holding conversations with vacant substance, young person I have learned all the tricks. You feign the Dusty Rhoads school of intellect. You revel in the strawman art of questioning.
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
njc17/101 you're doing it wrong.
by JD
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
njc17 What a sad person you are. I feel sorry for you.
Thatcher 6 months, 2 weeks ago
JimHeim (5 hours, 43 min. ago)-- No need to apologize at all! Cheers!
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey Thatcher welcome back.
Ever find either of those quotes you attributed to me?
Cheers and Excelsior!
AFCHIEF 6 months, 2 weeks ago
And The Obama Coverup of Libya continues
http://gerarddirect.com/2012/10/28/head-of-africom-fired-for-wanting-to-assist-personnel-in-benghazi/
dustyrhoades 6 months, 2 weeks ago
And the sad and desperate attempt by the Rethuglican loser brigade to politicize this tragedy continues.
You tried to make the death of heroes an election issue, Chief. The American people saw it for the disgusting sham it was.
And you lost. Deal with it.
AFCHIEF 6 months, 2 weeks ago
DR, I DID NOT TRY TO make the death of the ambassador an election issue. BUT OBAMA and his administration are SURELY PLAYING COVERUP to protect themselves from the truth. YOU NEED TO DEAL WITH THAT.
dustyrhoades 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Insult #20: You're a sad strange little man by IndianaParkWars
moonchild7 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Is the Generals admmitted extra-marital affair one of Benghazi's blunders? I do not know why anyone would resign their job because of an affair, which is no one's business except the husbands and wifes. Could it be then that she was a spy? Why is the FBI involved? Since when does the FBI investigate affairs? Very strange. Congress had no reason to Impeach Bill Clinton in the 90's. That was Republican/Conservative INSANITY at it's worst. Irony though seems to be winning the day since Petraus was the Republicans "Knight in Shining Armor".
AFCHIEF 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Earth to Moonchild come in
JD 6 months, 2 weeks ago
About that Petraeus incident...
[Link][1] and here's an excerpt
-The recipient of the e-mails was so frightened that she went to the FBI for protection and help tracking down the sender, according to the officials. The FBI investigation traced the threats to Paula Broadwell, a former military officer and a Petraeus biographer, and uncovered explicit e-mails between Broadwell and Petraeus, the officials said.
-When Petraeus’s name first surfaced, FBI investigators were concerned that the CIA director’s personal e-mail account had been hacked and security had been breached. But the sexual nature of the e-mails led them to conclude that Petraeus and Broadwell were engaged in an affair, the officials said.
[1]: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/fbi-probe-of-petraeus-triggered-by-e-mail-thre ats-from-biographer-officials-say/2012/11/10/d2fc52de-2b68-11e2-bab2-eda299503684_story.html
teufelhunden 6 months, 2 weeks ago
MC7-didn't get a chance to respond but this gal is no "dumb blonde". :)
dustyrhoades 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Frankly, while I have my misgivings about the increasing militarization of the CIA, I think Petraeus resigning over this is a terrible waste. I mean, if the idea is that having the head of the intelligence service engaged in an extramarital affair would subject him to blackmail by foreign powers, wouldn't the exposure of said affair do away with that concern? I haven't heard any allegations that there was any "pillow talk" that revealed security matters. I have read that in the intelligence game, extramarital hanky panky is a kind of third rail that means immediate expulsion. Maybe some of our ex-intel folks like OldSpook can clarify this.