Don't be a fool and die for your country. Let the other sonofabitch die for his.
-- General George S. Patton
February 10, 2005
A Closer Look At Lt. Gen. Mattis
Thanks to The Crusader for this touching speech given by then Maj. Gen. Mattis just before entering Iraq at the start of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped and murdered the Iraqi people; invaded neighboring countries without provocation; and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind. When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression. Chemical attacks, treachery, and the use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted: never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgment and act in the best interest of our Nation. "You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith with your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit. For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles — who fought for life and never lost their nerve — carry out you mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world that there is 'No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy' than a U.S. Marine.J.N. Mattis Major General,
US Marines
Commanding
Does this sound like a madman, a murderer or a bad officer?
I think not.
Again, a big Hoo Ah to Lt. Gen. Mattis.
SlagleRock Out!
Why is he still a Lt. General? He deserves a promotion to General Mattis, he's a hell of a lot more honest than some of those bootlickers that hang around the Pentagon.
Posted by: Jack at February 10, 2005 07:57 PMOfficers like that need to be booted out, as their words get used as ammo by those who pump bullets into our troops.
Posted by: Collin Baber at February 10, 2005 10:06 PMNo, it is the left that needs to be booted out. It is their agenda that always gets used as ammo by "those who pump bullets into our troops". It is the MSM and the left that bring the few negative things to the spotlight. If it weren't for leftist agendas things like this would never be heard at all by the enemy.
SlagleRock Out!
Posted by: SlagleRock at February 10, 2005 10:45 PMJust wondering, since us "regular people" wouldn't see items like this if it weren't for military bloggers, how does the enemy see/hear these things? So many amazing things going on in Iraq that people just do not know unless they read blogs (military and Iraqi). After reading the Iraq bloggers it's extremely frustrating to see what is NOT being reported in the MSM. I'm always telling my hub this info because he doesn't have the time to read blogs.
Posted by: betsy at February 11, 2005 10:34 AMThe armed opposition is computer literate and monitors American communications all the time. The Jihadis from Fateh Islam and Tawhid Jihad are always on-line.
If you don't believe me, look what happened to "Bring 'em on!"
Posted by: Collin Baber at February 16, 2005 08:55 PM