General McChrystal

So General Stanley McChrystal has apologized for his remarks demeaning Vice President Biden and senior defense officials. Secretary of Defense Gates characterized McChrystal's remarks as a "mistake" and "poor judgment."

It was more than that. McChrystal violated Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), the legal regime that applies to members of the military.

"ART. 88. CONTEMPT TOWARD OFFICIALS

Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."