Morale was deteriorating and it was all Yossarian's fault. The country was in peril; he was jeopardizing his traditional rights of freedom and independence by daring to exercise them.
The quote from "Catch-22" highlights the tension between individual freedom and societal expectations. Yossarian's actions, which are interpreted as selfish and irresponsible, are seen as a threat to the collective morale during a time of crisis. The implication here is that exercising personal rights can sometimes conflict with the duties one owes to their community, especially in a perilous situation.
This predicament reflects the broader themes of the novel, where characters struggle with absurdities of war and the paradoxes of authority. Heller critiques how societal pressures can stifle personal freedom, suggesting that the very rights Yossarian fights to protect may also lead to his downfall. Ultimately, it raises questions about responsibility and the cost of independence in a world marked by chaos.