500N:
That's the way it should be, but in modern day Washington that's not the way it is. There are all too many who are so convinced of their own magnificence that they simply are not interested in hearing any opinion or information that does not agree with their pre-conceived notions. In fact in some cases they can't even conceive of how anyone could not agree with them. In other cases, they feel that since they're the smartest person in whatever room they're in, by definition there's no point in anyone else having any other views. And there're always those that feel it's their subordinates job to agree with them so there's no reason to consult with or explain to them.
Maybe Gen. Dempsey is just being honest.