Ducky Dynasty was a rerun. It’s the only reason I can give for watching the Barbara Walters special last night on TV. She’s not one of my favorites. I do have to admit that I was a little curious though. The title captured my attention as Lisa flipped over to the channel “The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2012.” I mean, who wouldn’t be interested in knowing who made the list? I guess that’s why they name it what they do.
I didn’t get to see the whole show. There were some surprises. I was kind of shocked that Ben Affleck made it again. Barbara’s assessment that Hillary Clinton was one of the most “accomplished Secretary of States” in recent history could only be chalked up to one of three things: 1) Barbara doesn’t have a clue what the job description of Secretary of State is. I’m quite sure it does not include lying and cover up 2) Barbara thinks that because Hillary has been to 112 countries and over a million miles (Hillary’s numbers) she is really something special or 3) (my personal choice) by “recent history” Barbara meant the last three weeks. In that case, I would agree.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made the list with his recent efforts to rebuild in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. I thought it was pretty interesting that, when given a choice between joining the E-Street band (Bruce Springsteen’s group) or becoming President, Christie answered, “Right now, I would choose the E-street band.” Of course, given the choice right now, most people would probably prefer to be a muppet on Sesame Street than to have to deal with Washington’s mess.
Honey B0o-boo (the spoiled rotten character that makes all of us native Georgians cringe when her name is spoken) made the list along with Gabby Douglas–the golden gymnast of this summer’s games.
But for the most fascinating person of the year, Barbara chose–wait for it–General David Petraeus. Yeah, that’s right. THE General Petraeus. The man who led our military with distinguished service only to be brought down by his selfish desires. The leader of our CIA who apparently could not hold his tongue or his heart in check as he betrayed his commitment to his wife and to his country. Now, don’t misunderstand me. I’m all about forgiving. If you know anything about me, you know that I’m willing to offer grace whenever it is sought by those who have fallen. I think it’s what Christ would want us to do. But to choose an adulterer and someone who has failed morally as the most fascinating person in a nation of 300 million people and a world of 7 billion people?!? This was a year filled with great accomplishments, tremendous victories, world records and rising stars. To choose Gen. Petraeus at this point, as his career and life were spinning out of control, seems…odd. Frankly, after the month Lisa and I have had talking with and encouraging friends who are going through difficult times in their marriages, I think Barbara Walters owes an apology to every person who has ever felt the crushing blow that comes from marital infidelity. Unfaithfulness is not fascinating. It’s atrocious! Petraeus shouldn’t be promoted as a fascinating figure. He should be encouraged to go home to his wife and fix where he failed. Maybe there is hope for his marriage and for his integrity; hope that his story won’t end here and ruin years of tremendous service to his nation. We should pray that God would restore Petraeus to his wife.
Now, that, my friends, would be fascinating!!