Marine general: It's 'fun to shoot people'
End The War
Thursday, February 3, 2005 Posted: 4:16 PM EST (2116 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A three-star Marine general who said it was "fun to
shoot some people" should have chosen his words more carefully, the
Marine Corps commandant said Thursday.
Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who commanded Marine expeditions in Afghanistan
and Iraq, made the comments Tuesday during a panel discussion in San
Diego, California.
"Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a
hoot," Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in
the audience. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there
with you. I like brawling.
"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five
years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said. "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."
Mattis' press office has not yet responded to a request to answer
questions about his comments.
However, the Marine commandant, Gen. Michael Hagee, defended Mattis,
calling him "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," he said in a written statement. "Lt. Gen.
Mattis often speaks with a great deal of candor."
Hagee said he had counseled Mattis regarding the remarks and that
Mattis "agrees he should have chosen his words more carefully."
"Throughout our history, Marines have given their lives in the defense
of this nation and human rights around the globe," Hagee's statement
read. "When necessary, this commitment helps to provide us the
fortitude to take the lives of those who oppress others or threaten
this nation's security. This is not something we relish, yet we accept
it as a reality in our profession of arms."
"Lt. Gen. Mattis is a superb leader and one of the Corps' most
courageous and experienced warriors," Hagee wrote. "I remain confident
that he will continue to serve this nation with dedication and
distinction."
Added Marine Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, "The last three times that that general has been in combat, when
he was leading Marines in Afghanistan and the two times that he led his
division in Iraq, his actions and those of his troops clearly show that
he understands the value of proper leadership and the value of human
life."
Pace spoke Thursday during a Pentagon briefing. He declined to comment
directly on Mattis' comments.
Early in his career, Mattis served as a rifle and weapons platoon
commander as a lieutenant and later a captain. He also commanded
assault battalions in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was
the commander of the 1st Marine Division for the initial attack on
Iraq.
San Diego television station KNSD, which calls itself NBC 7/39,
captured Mattis' Tuesday comments on video and interviewed a retired
military man afterward who said the general's remarks were "flippant."
"I was a little surprised," said retired Vice Adm. Edward H. Martin. "I
don't think any of us who have ever fought in wars liked to kill
anybody."
End The War
I was horrified to see posted on CNN.com this morning the article on
Lt.
Gen. James Mattis and his shocking ethnocentric comments made and
publicized on San Diego television station KNSD.
How can we allow this man to be a leader for our troops when he paints
taking military action against our enemy as a "brawl" fight and that
"It's
fun to shoot some people."
Certainly there is more honor and precision in the planning and
execution
of these actions overseas and having this 3 star / decorated war-hero
tell
others he enjoys "shooting people" diminishes the value of the lives
lost
by our brave military men and women as just part of a "brawl".
As a member of a 3rd generation military family - I will tell you I am
thoroughly disgusted at this and request that you take action -
publicly -
to remedy this situation. He is making a mockery of our efforts and his
racist remarks will only further damage the efforts made to help
liberate
the Middle East.
Please do not let this incident get swept under the rug - if this is
indicative of the current military leadership that is allowing
atrocities
to happen by a few of our military men and women in Abu Ghirab - then
surely you cannot turn your back to this and need to condemn these
actions
as unacceptable and punishable - no matter what rank they are!
Signed,
a registered voter who goes to the polls!