After Ray Donovan, Ronald Reagan’s secretary of labor, was cleared of corruption charges, he famously and plaintively asked, “Which office do I go to to get my reputation back?” That is a question that General John Allen might be asking himself today.
Yesterday afternoon the press office at the Pentagon issued this terse statement: “Secretary Panetta has been informed that the Department’s Office of Inspector General has concluded an investigation into a matter involving General John Allen, U.S. Marine Corps. The Secretary was pleased to learn that allegations of professional misconduct were not substantiated by the investigation. The Secretary has complete confidence in the continued leadership of General Allen, who is serving with distinction in Afghanistan.”
Thus ended the “scandal” that has been the subject of so much feverish press speculation since early November involving Allen’s emails with a Tampa socialite named Jill Kelley—a relationship that was brought to light as a result of the controversy which brought down David Petraeus. There were numerous leaks insinuating there was something inappropriate going on between Allen and Kelley which, even if true, would be none of the public’s business. It is ridiculous that this whole matter was referred for official investigation in the first place and that the investigation has lasted some two months, leaving a dark cloud hanging over Allen’s future just as he had to deliver politically sensitive recommendations for future force levels in Afghanistan.
Presumably Allen will now proceed to confirmation for his next job, as Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Let us hope that in that position he will have to fight only our nation’s enemies—not political snipers in Washington who engage in character assassination by innuendo.
On the bright side, we have "progressed" from "controversial profiles" written by political hacks in Rolling Stone Magazine to actual emails.
Max Boot needs to read more spy fiction, or watch a few films. nWhile I am glad General Allen has been cleared, none of this answers the question about the Kelley twins. Like magic they get THAT level of access at CENTCOM in Tampa???? Yes, I know they were quicckly banned, but, still… n nI digress. I assume this was a beyondNixonianblackop to hold a metaphorical gun on Gen. Allen until they could neuter Petraeus, and now, Mattis. n nIf only someone had tapes of Obama's many calls with bff Erdogan about changes in Turkey's military leadership – a valid topic due to Turkey being in NATO. nOh, those tapes – yes, that would be the NSA. nFilm recommendation: "Enemy of the State": "It's Not Paranoia if They're Really After You" is the header on the dvd case. n nActually, I wonder if Gen. Mattis retired because the Marine Corps seems to be the only supporter of the F35JSF, which is getting a steady drumbeat of bad news lately. n nJust too many coincidences of timing and sequence with military changes.
It is my understanding Kelley was a socialite. She went to, and organized, social events. You cannot really organize such events without some kind of access. What is interesting, but not really unexpected, is that non-military employees participate and (help) organize these social events. So, what is the big deal? Broadwell apparently envied her access. Broadwell was an author and a mistress, but she had nothing to do with CENTCOM social events. Broadwell made it all blow up.