Top Marine General's Blunt Comments Draw Fire

It’s been almost two years now since the Iraq war started and many wonder is there any end in sight. We’ve certainly all been exposed to some unnerving, stomach turning, mind-boggling images and words concerning the Iraq war. But, when I read this story from KNBC - TV in Los Angeles this morning, once again my stomach turned. I simply cannot fathom the mentality behind this:

SAN DIEGO - At a panel discussion in San Diego Tuesday, a top Marine general tells an audience that, among other things, it is "fun to shoot some people."

The comment, made by Lt. Gen. James Mattis, came in reference to fighting insurgents in Iraq. He went on to say, "Actually, its a lot of fun to fight. You know, it's a hell of a hoot. I like brawling."

"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for 5 years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis continued. "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."

About 200 people gathered for the discussion, held at the San Diego Convention Center. While many military members laughed at the comments, a military expert interviewed by NBC 7/39 in San Diego called the comments "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."