OK, bear with me here, but what do you think?
Somewhere in that situation, there is a snapperhead of whom is in a 'higher' position than a respectable Marine. Said snapperhead "asks" (in an authoritarian sort of way) for a service from the respectable Marine.
At that very moment in time, said respectable Marine had the choice of two options (as I see it). These being 'comply' or 'reject'. I'm not talking at all about what is "right and wrong" here, just simply "comply" or "reject".
Given the situation, what would you have done? What is a "White-House Posting" on your DD214 (or whatever number it is for ya'll?) and how does it help you in and out of the Service? What is your personal as well as professional option? As an individual, do you really have the 'right' to disobey THAT "order"? As a professional, do you have the responsibility to disobey THAT order?
Contextually, "hold this umbrella" is a far cry different than "send 'them' to the camps", right? Both are orders from your "superiors" (and you have no idea how loosely I use that term) and both may very well be "challengeable" in a court of law or Captains Mast. But in the end, which is the better thing to do?
In this situation, I personally see that the Marine did the right thing. Here is why:
Starting with that statement of "It is better to ask for forgiveness, than to ask permission", to which you have the obvious outcome. Follow that up with, had he said 'no', then he'd have been (probably) immediately replaced, hidden away, and we wouldn't have even known about the situation.
Now, simply because these respectable Marine's complied, they have shown the WORLD that they are the "Better Man", twice over. It is now literally International News, and it is now widely known of AND talked about.
To which it is seen by 'both parties' ie: Rep's and Dem's, Lib's and Con's, (you know what I mean there) and even free and oppressed. How popular do you think he is now?
Regardless of your stance on pro vs. con the 1st, 2nd, Roe v. Wade, or Socialized Healthcare v. Private Healthcare,,,, he has shown himself to everyone MORE of who he is. Just another snapperhead whom is somewhere in the situation.
And a respectable Marine!
One to whom, appears to have not sheltered himself from a single raindrop from the actual "use" of an umbrella. I cannot imagine of a more dignified manner to actually "employ" a device and not garner even a miniscule amount of personal benefit to amount to a selfish act. Add to that, the apparent 'look of disgust' at the same time, is just icing on the cake.
I would purchase a case of Bourbon for each of these respectable Marine's. Wouldn't you? Who's with me?