Sorry, the two items mentioned have nothing in common. Comparing a “what is worse” scenario between the actions of a high level military officer and his civilian boss is totally unrelated. McChrystal DOES know better.

Our military is successful only when discipline is intact and codes of conduct adhered to. While sayings such as “lead by example” and “leadership comes from the top” are nice “feel good” one liners at private sector management meetings, they are taken very seriously in the military environment. McChrystal’s actions undermine the stability and trust of the troops in his charge. His “do as I say, not as I do” attitude is totally unacceptable. If this was his planned exit strategy it doesn’t speak well to his character.

Disagreements between high level commanders and their commander in chief is nothing new. Feelings are especially raw when the POTUS has little military background such as Obama, Bush, Clinton etc. But criticism needs to be kept to one’s self. It’s a requirement and OBLIGATION of the job.