OPINION:
Gen. David Petraeus’ plea deal for giving highly classified information to his mistress shows the shameful double standard that exists today in our legal system (“David Petraeus to plead guilty to removing classified information during affair,” Web, March 3).
Because Gen. Petraeus is famous and a highly respected military leader, he received a very light sentence for a very serious offense. He received only a misdemeanor and no jail time for having provided his lover with the names of covert intelligence agents and other sensitive intelligence information in addition to confidential data concerning military operations and strategy. This was all to help his mistress with the book that she was writing.
Other individuals, including journalists, have gotten stiff sentences, including jail time, for doing the same type of thing.
KENNETH L. ZIMMERMAN
Huntington Beach, Calif.
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