Defamatory portrayal of men

Ruth Marcus does a disservice to her profession in repeatedly vilifying men as helpless philanderers [“Petraeus: hubris meets technology,” Opinion, Nov. 13]. That's a somewhat archaic stereotype that is increasingly being disproved. Or at least that it's only men.

A casual search of recent studies show that men are only marginally more likely to be unfaithful than women. She also neglects to mention Paula Broadwell's marital status (married, with children).

I recognize that op-ed is just that, but perhaps this particular piece should have been published in Cosmo.

— Kevin McDonnell, Portland, Ore.

Significance of trust

Is it Gen. David “Betray-Us,” or is it Petraeus? I keep getting confused ever since that little incident of lies and deceit.

He, of all people, one would think, must surely grasp the critical significance of trust in his position as the CIA’s top man [“Petraeus resigns as CIA chief, admits to affair,” page one, Nov. 10].

Don’t misunderstand, I don’t think him fooling about with a fawning super A-type, uber-egomaniac would necessarily interfere with his job, were he a janitor or retail clerk. But when you run the CIA, and when the government, millions of people and unknown anonymous agents in sensitive positions depend on you, it does become an issue.

— Michael E. White, Brush Prairie