As controversy over the highly publicized affair between former CIA director, Gen. David Petraeus, and writer Paula Broadwell continues, the Recorder asked local residents: Should someone be forced to resign their position over a moral issue that does not impact their work performance?
“The public image that Petraeus represents for the military is what some people are upset about, not that he’s a cheater. We need to use this particular case to raise general concerns about the risk that goes with power and the accountability of our leaders.”
– Michael Miller, professor, Christian Theological Seminary
“I think David Petraeus should have been fired. It was nice that they allowed him to resign, but they should have fired him to send a statement. He is the head of the CIA. We have to have standards and expectations for people in high positions.”
– Melissa Scruggs, 26
“People have cheated since what seems like the beginning of time. Many of these same people have maintained successful careers during and after the affair. I don’t think anyone should lose their job over an extramarital affair. Everyone seems to want to punish (Gen. David) Petraeus, but no one is saying anything about firing the woman who he had the affair with. I am a woman, but I still think society can be hypocritical. This is an obvious double standard.”
– Nechelle Robinson, 35
“Cheating is a moral issue. Work performance is a professional issue. We cannot confuse the two. It is not fair…they are two separate instances.”
– Wilber Vick, 60
