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February 05, 2005
General Mattis
USMC Lt. Gen. James Mattis stepped into a bit of controversy Tuesday when he told a group in San Diego, "Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight. You know, it's a hell of a hoot. ..It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right upfront with you, I like brawling."
While these words were widely quoted on the local news here, the full context didn’t make the soundbite:
You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis continued. "You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them.
The General has been “counseled” and apparently wishes he chose his words more wisely.
When I first heard the story, I queried my father in law, USMC Lt. Col. (ret) for a comment on Mattis’ remarks. He replied:
Rick,Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner about Gen Mattis' comments. It took awhile for me to stop laughing. I guess the audience didn't see the humor here. The General is just telling it the way it is. Maybe he should substitute some word like "rewarding" instead of "fun" or a "hoot" when describing the act of eliminating some of the worst humans off our planet. Unfortunately, he is not the first high ranking person to get into trouble over a few no so politically correct words. I'll bet if Al Grey were still the Commandant of the Marine Corps you would not have heard a word in the news about the Gen Mattis being reprimanded. In short, politicians ask the warriors to fight their battles when it's clear that fancy words are no longer the solution. The General is a Warrior, not a politician (thank God).
Semper FI, Lee
The Marines are trained killers. Pure and simple. They aren’t trained to be peace keepers. They aren’t trained to be humanitarian aid workers. They are killers and the best killers on earth. That realization is a bit unnerving to me, but it’s the truth.
Although I can’t imagine that shooting another human could ever be “fun” or a “hoot,” I also can’t imagine being a Marine in the heat of battle, so I’m in no position to criticize. From what little I know of the USMC, I bet Mattis’ remarks put a spring in the step of many young privates and corporals in Iraq and Afghanistan – as strange and sick as that may seem. But why is it that I’d have it no other way?
Posted by Rick at February 5, 2005 11:52 AM
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Comments
In terms of a Christian response, I do find it hard to imagine Jesus encouraging us to find it fun killing others - and who's to say they are worse than you or me....?
Posted by: Steve at February 5, 2005 03:23 PM
Here's another Christian response (or a response from a Christian):
I would hope for a little more maturity from "upper management". Having said that, it is obvious the General's remarks were not completely reported by at least a large part of the MSM.
As for the necessity of killing the enemy...Jesus Christ instructed us to turn the other cheek and allow it to be smitten. He never said to let your enemy cut your throat. And he sure never said to let your enemy lay a hand on your family, or your country.
The Marine's business is defending this country. The most basic function of that business is, when necessary, to kill the enemy. There's nothing romantic in that. It is a hard fact of life in a hard, cruel world.
Posted by: tgharris at February 5, 2005 06:38 PM
Jesus Christ instructed us to turn the other cheek and allow it to be smitten.
I've heard an interpretation of this which, while I'm in no position to fact-check it, is intriguing.
In Semitic cultures, it is a terrible insult to strike someone on their right cheek with the back of your right hand. The implication is that the smiter considers the smitten so disgusting that he does not want to touch him with the palm or finger pads.
By turning the other cheek, one makes a second such blow impossible. It is a non-provocative form of resistance.
Posted by: Kent at February 5, 2005 09:10 PM
!!
Posted by: Joe Comer at February 6, 2005 01:28 AM
Get over it people! He is a Marine. He is not trying to impress any of you he is just doing the job that he loves. People love trying to trap someone in something they said an hold it against them. You know what this man is a Marine and a great one at that i can tell you now he doesnt give a shit what he says and what you think of him....So get over it! and let this Marine do his job!
Posted by: Patrick at April 10, 2006 09:17 AM