These kinds of comments have greater resonance if a policy or a war is under close scrutiny or going badly. The more critics there are, the more the retired officer is likely to get a favorable hearing.

'Hogan's Heroes' lasted longer than the war.

One of the themes throughout African-American history, going back to before the Civil War, is many African-Americans viewing themselves as a nation, or a nationality, within the borders of the United States.

An active duty general is on very thin ice to offer any criticisms, negative comments, about the secretary of defense. Once a general is retired, however, the gloves can come off.

Politics has a number of definitions, and especially at the senior general and admiral level, there's a good deal of jockeying.

My voice is still for war.