Why is it so important for retired leaders to stay out of politics?

By that logic, and Dempey's, there would be no President Washington, or Eisenhower. The Constitution does not forbid former military of any rank from engaging in politics, and neither does the UCMJ. It is disheartening when a veteran claims to represent veterans with a viewpoint other than our own, but that is their right of free speech, just as it is our right of free speech to disavow them when they do.

They earned their right to speak on such matters since they are no longer subject to the Hatch Act.

While it is my opinion that they should stay out of partisan politics, I do support the fact that they are retired and private citizens and have the right to do what they want in that regard.

When I retire and go against my own opinion then you can call me on it and I will just say "I have evolved" on that subject and move on.

You "O" folks who have been running things have had to bite your tongue or risk being shown the door. The problem is that at a certain point you theoretically stop being an "O" and become a politician. This is unfortunately a necessary evil. We need our best and brightest running the show (the military) but after a certain point you also serve at the pleasure of the POTUS. What do you do? Keep your pie hole closed and keep your job or retire and tell the world what an asshat the civilians in charge are? My opinion is that unless you are opting for a second career in politics, STFU and move on.

And finally this one from our last CJCS on retired Generals. To answer the question posture by some below, I didn't think this up in my own. It is a long held tradition. Some would say that the last time generals were involved this much in politics was in the 1860s. That worked out well right?

LTC (Join to see) Gen Dempsey agrees with you too.

And another, here's what our current boss has to say about us (those still in uniform). http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/11/politics/joseph-dunford-joint-chiefs-chairman-politics/

Interesting comments. Greatly appreciate them. I offer up a few different perspectives, first this one: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB [login to see] 1782215

LTC (Join to see)
Retired generasl are "simply" a form of celebrity from a unique (our) environment. They have insights that many of the other outspoken celebrities lack, so I am glad that they do speak out, even if I don't necessarily agree with the position or opinion

Well,they should also stay out of ....... Oh I can't think of anything they should br restricted from, including politics. They have earned the right to speak out more than most.