I dont fully agree but concede you make very powerful arguements. Do you think MacArthur was wrong to speak up for victory against Truman? Without wanting to disrespect the chain of command, I think MacArthur was right and, I believe, “modern” North Korea proves my point.
Sometimes life forces us to choose between good things.
Its not easy.
For anyone.
I acknowledge, to paraphrase Jack Nicholson, that “I need many men (and some women) who.think like you, standing on our walls.”
McArthur did speak up - and he was fired for it.
He, like many of the Generals during LBJ’s Presidency who were afraid to speak out about LBJ’s inept micromanaging of the Vietnam War - should have had the courage to give the President their advice - privately....and if the advice was ignored/turned down - then they SHOULD HAVE RESIGNED - and then (and ONLY THEN) gone public with their concerns and issues.
More recently - there was a 2 star (Air Force General) - who spoke disrespectful words about Bill Clinton early in Clinton’s Presidency. He received a fine of $7K and was forced to retire.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-19-mn-4709-story.html