Posted on 02/04/2005 9:43:06 PM PST by Former Military Chick
ARLINGTON, Va. — A major U.S. Islamic group has called for “appropriate disciplinary action” for the Marine general who said, “It’s fun to shoot some people.”
“We do not need generals who treat the grim business of war as a sporting event,” Nihad Awad, director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement. “These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life.”
The Washington-based CAIR’s stated mission is “to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.”
Lt. Gen James Mattis, the commander of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va., offered no public apologies for his comments in the wake of a media dust-up.
Marine Corps officials at the Pentagon said they’ve received about a dozen calls and e-mails complaining about Mattis’ comments as well, but said there were no plans for disciplinary measures.
“As far as we’re concerned, the issue is closed,” said a spokesman.
“We see this so-called counseling as less than a slap on the wrist,” said Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for CAIR. “There should at least be some kind of formal reprimand. If the Pentagon wants to be seen as taking this seriously, they have to take serious action.
“I think the great military leaders throughout history has always viewed killing as necessary evil, not as source of pleasure,” Hooper continued. “And in this case he’s talking about killing Muslims. I don’t think this helps America’s image in the Muslim world.”
Mattis was speaking to an electronics association gathering in San Diego on Wednesday.
“Actually, it’s a lot of fun to fight,” he said. “You know, it’s a hell of a hoot. I like brawling,” Mattis can be heard on video captured at the event. “You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. 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 statement Thursday, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Mike Hagee said he had “counseled” Mattis, saying he wished the general had picked his word more carefully, while Joint Chiefs vice chairman and fellow Marine Gen. Peter Pace offered no rebuke on Mattis’ comments.
“I will tell you that 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 told reporters Thursday at the Pentagon.
Twice Pace said Mattis was free to explain himself.
“I will leave it to him to tell you what he meant to say when he said what he said,” said Pace.
Mattis, however, declined interview requests. A senior aide said the general does not want to add more fuel to the fire, but added, “He, like all Marines, considers it an honor to fight for his country.”
Harrison Ford is reported to be starring as Mattis in what will be Hollywood’s first feature about the current Iraq war, titled “No True Glory.”
Some in the military community have come to Mattis’ defense.
Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper, a Vietnam veteran and one of Mattis’ predecessors as chief of the Combat Development Command, said the comments are being blown out of proportion.
“I’m in Mattis’ corner,” said Van Riper. Anyone critical of Mattis’ comments, he added, “is a damn dilettante who doesn’t understand what war is all about.”
Among the retired “graybeards,” Van Riper remains an active adviser in Army and Marine Corps training efforts.
“War means fighting and fighting mean killing,” said Van Riper, quoting Nathan Bedford Forrest, a much-lauded cavalry commander of the Civil War.
“If they don’t like it, tell them to put on the uniform and go do it themselves. This isn’t a pretty business. If you’re going to get squeamish about it you shouldn’t send our troops off to war.”
Hagee defended Mattis in a statement released Thursday.
“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. Lt. Gen. Mattis often speaks with a great deal of candor,” wrote Hagee in his statement.
Hagee added that Mattis is one of Corps’ “most courageous and experienced warriors. I remain confident that he will continue to serve this nation with dedication and distinction.”
Pretty much says it all!
OK now I am ticked off. While I do not think the comments were needed, I do not think he crossed the line and thus his reprimand in my book really unwarranted.
But oh in our PC climate, it was picked up by the MSM, we saw what he said and he was counseled for it. Finished, or so one would think.
Now a group on the 5th wants more, who the heck do they think they are and why are they up in arms about this.
Our Marines, hell all of our military are trained to defend this country. Now if they like killing well that might be a concern but come on, these folks have to be willing to defend themselves, their fellow soldiers and their country and to do so might result in death of an enemy.
Bottom line, take your little tantrum to someone in France who seems to care about your PC demands.
This group is out for blood. Wonder how many of the folks children/extended family serves our country.
No matter how impeccable this Marine's career has been, this issue has ceased any further career goal with the Marines.
The usual CAIR whine.
OK. From now on the General is not allowed to "shoot to kill". He can only "shoot to maim" for the next 3 months, and must write an essay about remorse.
I heard Bill Press sounding very prissy about the remarks on Fox tonight..He makes me sick.
Hey CAIR!
Take a flying freak at a rolling donut.
As far as I'm concerned, that General can get his rocks off by shooting every one of you worthless sheetheads.
It is fine to shoot at Terrorists!
That is pretty good. Oh, and he can only use a water pistol and after 3 months he can use a paint gun.
He was talking about Muslim terrorists, Ibby. And yeah, I supsect it's a helluva lot fun to shoot them sons-a-camels.
Yeah, a muslim is one to talk about killing for pleasure. A muslim might get an iota of sympathy from me one day if I ever hear condemnation and see action against terrorism. That will be a cold day in hell, I'm sure.
I don’t think this helps America’s image in the Muslim world.
Gee, thanks . . . I know how concerned you must be about the image of the United States in the eyes of the world.
Excuse me, but does "Kill the infidels! Death to America!" ring a bell?
Excuse, but I am beginning to think CAIR is the BUND of this war and since their goals are the same, how come they have not been detained and returned to their Dar a-Salam, where they can take heads.
General Mattis: You want answers?
Senator Clinton: I think I'm entitled to them.
General Mattis: You want answers?
Senator Clinton: I want the truth!
General Mattis: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
Senator, we have enemies that need killing. And those enemies have to be killed by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? Men like Janet Reno? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Saddam Hussein and you curse President Bush. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Saddam Hussein's capture, while tragic to the Democrats, saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at Buddhist Temple fund-raisers, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a woman who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!
Senator Clinton: Did you you say it was fun to shoot the enemy?
General Mattis: I did the job you sent me to do.
Senator Clinton: Did you you say it was fun to shoot the enemy?
General Mattis: You're goddamn right I did!!
Good ol' CAIR. Sticking up for women beaters. Proud of that are ya?
The Gen makes me feel proud we have the Marines. I'm sorry, but to the job these guys have to do this is the right attitude.
The reporter should be fired for his very description of CAIR
Do a Google search on CAIR and Hamas. Cair has some 'close' ties with some not-too-charitable groups.
Cair is quite comparable to Jesse Jackson's shakedowns. They both operate in similar manners.
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