[lit-ideas] Re: Virility and Slaughter
- From: Robert.Paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Robert Paul)
- To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: 03 Feb 2005 14:17:34 PST
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."
[complete story at http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/02/03/general.shoot/index.html]
Robert Paul
Reed College
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