Making sense of l'affaire Petraeus

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Far be it from me to wallow in the gutter. And while there are indeed some interesting, and troubling, issues raised by this whole David Petraeus infidelity mess (like the FBI overstepping its bounds, like a distinguished military leader proving to be yet another right-wing hypocrite), I do think the media are obsessing a tad too much (with some dealing with their own Petraeus infatuation), making more ado than needs to be made about what is essentially a private matter with only vague public implications (like the possible communication of top-secret information).

But we're written about it -- Carl here, Frank here, Libby/me here -- and, well, why not keep going?

First, is it any wonder Petraeus said he didn't want to be Romney's running mate? Just imagine. How deliciously scandalous.

Second... oh, where to go with this? It's a mess (and getting messier, now with another general, John Allen, involved -- a guy set to become head of NATO). So for now here's a helpful flowchart from Gawker:

Okay, third. I love that Chuck Klosterman is involved, if only on the periphery as an ethicist. I'm a fan, and what he has to say about his involvement (and being sucked into a ridiculous conspiracy theory) is, as usual, excellent.

Enjoy whatever schadenfreude you take from this whole thing. 

Update:

It's getting better and better... 

Jill Kelley requested "diplomatic protection" in 911 call 

Paula Broadwell's License Discovered in D.C. Park

Petraeus helps whistleblower's 'unstable' twin in nasty custody fight
 
Gen. John Allen also helped Jill Kelley's sister during custody battle 

Jill Kelley, Woman Who Sparked Petraeus Scandal, Ran Questionable Charity

Good times.