Panetta is doing what he is supposed to do, what they train you for in Military academy. You fall in your sword if dear leaders asks you. My brother wrote a paper on it at the Naval Academy. It doesnt matter whether you agree with what leadership asks, a good solider follows orders.
Panetta was following orders from the Top. We all know Obama is a micromanager and he will pull the trigger on any operation anywhere that directly benefits himself and his image. That is why he had no issue going forth with the mission to kill Bin Laden, a mission that was both dangerous and possibly illegal. In Libya, it was a total loss whether they lived or died so they rather let them die and spin a story. Without a direct political benefit, Obama simply ignored it and went back on the campaign trail. Sending a rescue team was an admission of guilt on what was really going on there and diplomacy was not the real mission.
A GREAT soldier upholds his Oath to protect and defend the Constitution against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic.
I'd like to think Panetta is smart enough to know the Nuremberg defense, "I vas ust followink orders" still doesn't cut it.
However, there comes a time when it is of Utmost importance to NATIONAL SECURITY of the United States, and that time is now for Panetta to come forth and speak up.
He knows what Obama did, and he must be aware of what he is capable of in the future should he be re elected. Based on that, Panetta should be scared to death about what is going to happen to America.
Hoping he has just 1 oz. of self respect left and speaks out.