Retired Generals

To expound a bit on Atrios' take on retired generals. From Atrios:

I really don't understand the handwringing about whether the speaking out by retired generals undermines civilian control of the military. They're retired. No one raises this issue when they say nice things about the administration.

Um, in addition to that, haven't twelve former generals went on to be President Of the United States? Using this logic, wouldn't those twelve have completely usurped the civilian control of the military.

Of course not, but using this gasoline soaked straw man is about all they have left to defend Rumsfeld with.