Posted on 02/03/2005 12:37:35 PM PST by mhking
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior U.S. Marine Corps general who said it was "fun to shoot some people" should have chosen his words more carefully but will not be disciplined, military officials said on Thursday.
Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who led troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, made the comments at a conference Tuesday in San Diego.
"Actually it's quite fun to fight 'em, you know. It's a hell of a hoot. It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up front with you, I like brawling," said Mattis.
"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said during a panel discussion. "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."
In a statement, Gen. Michael Hagee, commander of the Marine Corps, praised Mattis as "one of this country's bravest and most experienced military leaders."
"While I understand that some people may take issue with the comments made by him, I also know he intended to reflect the unfortunate and harsh realities of war," Hagee said.
"I have counseled him concerning his remarks and he agrees he should have chosen his words more carefully," Hagee added.
Maj. Jason Johnston, a Marine spokesman at the Pentagon, said Hagee did not plan any disciplinary action against Mattis. Johnston declined to provide details of how Hagee had counseled Mattis, calling it a private matter.
At a Pentagon briefing on Thursday, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said he could not comment on the remarks, but Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised the general as having set a stellar example for troops in his service abroad.
Mattis is commander of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command at Quantico, Virginia, south of Washington.
There is a huge difference between fighting for a good cause (which is the WOT) and taking joy in death of others. And exactly this difference is between the western world and the Islamofascists. As much as I understand the wish for revenge of 9/11 families, the state is without such a wish. Revenge is not the goal of the WOT, it´s preventing further attacks.
I'm no Luther fan, but since you brought him into the discussion, here's what he had to say on the subject at hand in his 1523 treatise, Secular Authority:
“If your opponent is your equal, your inferior, or of a foreign government, you should first offer him justice and peace, as Moses taught the children of Israel. If he is unwilling, then use your best strategy and defend yourself by force against force . . . . And in such a war it is a Christian act and an act of love confidently to kill, rob, and pillage the enemy, and to do everything that can injure him until one has conquered him according to the methods of war . . . . Such happenings must be considered as sent of God, that He may now and then cleanse the land and drive out the knaves."
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell
Fun? The guy didn't say he derived a sense of satisfaction in a job well done. He said it is fun and he enjoys shooting people. That's not civilized. Most men would know to keep this bit of info to themselves.
The MSM is trying their best to make a huge issue out of the simple truth!
It is rewarding to kill scum!
Wish I could add a few of these scum-bags to my resume!!!! It would definitely be a hoot! The rewards of a warrior are gratifying indeed. It goes with the job.
Ouch, that left a mark.
Anyone who's played paintball can tell where this guy is coming from on a certain level.
This is a guy I'd like to have a beer with!
thanks for that info
i kinda figured that.
A man who is smart enough to rise so far in the USMC should also be smart enough not to say things that give the liberal media ammunition for their jihad against the President's policies.
Not really. When sharing this information, one usually makes sure there are no liberals present however.
I salute him for his honesty, and I am ever so grateful for his service.
As you should be.
I see. It´s just, I was taught that dead people have some dignity we shall not violate. If the General meant that he is glad for every progress made in the WOT, I´m with him. If he meant that he wishes no further dying of his soldiers, I´m with him. If he said that he´s willing to kill those who plan attacks, I´m with him. But if he said he feels joy for killing others, I´m not with him.
Technically it's just not as accurate as the original text. You're looking at a translation of a translation. You need to go back to the Hebrew for the most accurate if you're that curious. The Hebrew word is ratsach - to murder, slay.
That would be true of a pansy!
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