You know, when I was in HS, I always was moved and stirred by this part of the Declaration of Independence: "And accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed." But Jefferson adds to that: "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." Meaning, he really didn't think revolution was justified. Though he thought, maybe as a last resort, and after you have exhausted the legal process. He was talking about whole nations, and revolutions. But the fictional Captain Picard had an interesting take on how that applies on the individual level: "There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders." Meaning he believed disobedience, this time military insubordination, was rarely justified. But could be used as a last resort too. Unlike the above, that wouldn't accomplish as much, or even really do as much harm, if you were wrong. But Capt. Picard meant still, even if you were wrong, and that ended your military career, you should say, so be it. I would rather end my military career standing up for my conscience, than for any other reason.
