In an article written in 2006 it was divulged that there were 4,700 retired Generals living in the US at that time, so likely there are even more now.
Going back to the days of old Smedley and continuing through today, It would not be hard to visualize 25,000 retired US generals through those years.
I find it interesting that some folks find ONE general out of perhaps 25,000, who has a disagreement with his own profession, which incidently, he stayed with long enough to gather a decent pension, ...and then cite him and him only ! The other 24,999 retired generals don't count ..and obviously the military detractors didn't feel obliged to consult !
I am not even debating his "racket" proposal, but I do take issue with folks who try to prove something by making pronouncements about a group of thousands, while only listening to a single, angry, one of them.
Two Medals of Honor...great credit goes to him for that..but sometimes the wear & tear of earning those medals can take it's toll.
Benedict Arnold was a great leader and a heroic, twice wounded general officer, until one day....
Look at the ex-governor of Minnesota, former pro wrestler, Navy Seal veteran..very strenuous life..lots of hard knocks. Have you heard his latest announcements...and his wild "conspiracy theories" ?
There are many reasons; health, personal issues, rivalry, missed opportunities etc.. why a man retired from his profession, may be super-critical of that profession. Sorry; you have to show more proof than one, single dissatisfied old, and perhaps senile, general ...in order to clinch your case. More research needed.