Insubordination

I cannot imagine there is an American military person alive today who does not know about the relationship between President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur.  Most individuals who have been exposed to American history know the story as well.  On the far out to left field chance that any American is not aware, please permit me to explain.


General Douglas MacArthur was a respected member of the military under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Truman relied on him heavily also.  He placed him in charge of the military force that the United Nations sent to defend South Korea after the North invaded the South.  He lead the allies to success against the north and then lead the troops into North Korea.  Chinese communists got in the fray and pushed the allies south again.  MacArthur wanted to go into China and extend the war.  Members of the UN thought it would cause WW III.  This put the President and the Joint Chiefs of staff on one side with MacArthur against them.  MacArthur issued statements criticizing the government's strategy on the war.  But the President had already ordered him not to release policy statements on his own.  MacArthur even sent the Chinese an unauthorized demand for surrender.  Then, a Republican Congressman made public a letter MacArthur had written criticizing official policy.


On April 11, 1951, President Truman relieved MacArthur as head of the U. N. Command, U. S. Far East Command and Occupation of Japan.


Whereas the ordinary citizens of the United States have a constitutional right to speak their minds about politics, military strategy and Presidents, military men, by their job descriptions, have given up their right to speak critically about their Commander In Chief and his military plans.  To do so is an act of insubordination which can, and should, lead to "getting one's behind fired."  And to think, Mr. President that you actually called this one back to take the reins over this further military involvement in the Middle East.


For head in the sand types who may have missed it --  General Martin Dempsey went before Congress this week and committed insubordination.  While the President was traveling around promising there would be no combat troops on the ground, Dempsey was before Congress telling them there might come a time when he would advise the President to put boots on the ground.  Really General, is there no end to the disrespect this country will show this President?